Each day in Italy brings with it new challenges and unknown adventures. Whether it is making it to our 6:06 train to Villeta or bouncing down the Appian Way -when each day comes to an end I feel like I have accomplished something and I have earned the incredible dinner that we sit down to every night. I can almost compare my experiences, as of right now, to that of being a freed man that was explained, by Danilo, on the Ancient Appian Way. Free men were slaves to a particular family and through hard work and obedience they were able to prove themselves in such a way that they were sometimes able to earn their freedom. Their new found freedom included becoming a citizen of Rome and being completely released from their duties as slaves. Each day, I feel like I too am trying to prove myself to my new friend –Roma. It has proven to be more difficult than I had originally imagined – being both exciting and harsh at times.
The slaves at the time of the Roman Empire were usually foreigners. Their slave system was not based on race-rather it was powered by prisoners of war that were then bartered and sold for a profit. These slaves were then placed under the power of their new owners and were completely at their mercy (PBS). By traveling to Rome – I too am a foreigner- and it seems apparent, from the people we pass, that it can be obvious at times that I am an American and not part of the local crowd. This is what I find to be oppressive at times. It would seem that the stereotype of being American follows us where ever we go- bringing with it the idea that we are ignorant and self absorbed. A train ride into town can bring with it the whispers of the locals- where I can only make out a few words here and there- but the jist it that “yep they’re American,” and then continue on with their conversation that includes many sideways glances.
As the slave’s life continued, their hard work and dedication seemed to prove their worthiness, of freedom, to their masters. After just one week in Rome I feel that I have been trying to prove myself to Rome and its locals- that I can learn more and more about my surroundings. Becoming more attuned to the ways things are done in the city is part of the exhilaration. Moving in step with the rhythm of the city makes my heart beat a little faster, my ears more alert, and eyes more focused. Each time I pass through the city I realize I know where I am faster and I am more confident in my abilities to get where I need to be. This can be compared to the work of the slaves. Although, my life does not include nearly as cruel treatment, I feel that I can understand the striving of the slave to become free- free of living under someone else thoughts and choices. I strive to break free from the oppressive clamor of the streets as I become more accustom to their ways and from the oppression of being thought of as ignorant.
Through the last week I have come to realize that one of the other crueler aspects of being a traveler-as I am sure it was for the slaves- is the way people take advantage of you. Buying tickets at the kiosk in Termini was an experience. Observing a lone traveler try and understand the ticket kiosk and then being approached by shady characters –that are overly pushing- was definitely unnerving. However, the successful trip that followed soon made up for that experience.
I still have awhile to go before Rome is likely to accept me as one of its own- but as I journey on for the next seven weeks I hope to prove myself. Even though every day brings with it the thrill of the unknown, along with the weariness of always being cautious, I still enjoy the little moments that Rome has to offer.
http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/slaves_freemen.html
Rebeka,
ReplyDeleteExcellent thesis and idea that you carried through all the way to the end. I can really understand your feeling of oppression in terms of enslavement of your personality and your being. Your analogy is clear: just like the slaves were oppressed by the Romans, the city of Rome is similarly confining you. I hope that you continue to break free of these confines as the trip progresses. Maybe you could be a freedman (like Danilo was talking about) and earn your way out of this slavery.
Maria
Mi piace!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you can compare being a traveler with being enslaved. I think that it can be done, and you did it quite nicely I must say. I agree that the brutality element is missing for the traveler, but the chains that keep us from the freedom of comfort are evident. Did you ever feel enslaved in America? I think it is interesting that most people leave home to find freedom, not to be put in shackles.
I loved your observation about moving in step with the city. And, within that same paragraph, you defined freedom as not living under someone elses thoughts or choices. Have you felt that freedom yet?
The comparison between our lesson and the way some of us can feel here was very well done. Though I do not necessarily feel like a slave to the country, I do feel the constant need to prove myself to the people of Italy as you explained. People are always snickering at mispronounced phrases, and at times we are judged before we even open our mouths. We have a lot of work to do before we truly understand the culture and language to really fit in more and overcome the typical American stereotype.
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