Stepping into Rome’s world has changed my perspective on many things as well as opened my eyes to the diversity that I thought I already knew. Upon arriving in Italy we are given a brief rundown of what to expect the next eight weeks including classes, metros, trains, as well as the people we may be encountering. Right off the bat we are told to ignore strangers that come up to us, those that try to sell us things, people who beg, those that offer tricks, or roses and give them a curt “No Grazie.” Of course we do not get the full meaning of what is being said to us during our orientation until we finally step out of Casa Messiana and into the bustling city of Rome. It is here is the city that we realize that Rome has more to teach us than just what we learn in class or memorizing facts and dates. It is here that we learn firsthand about others such as Gypsies, North Africans, and Jews.
After our first few weeks here in Rome our fervent “no grazie” began to die down as we realize we could just walk away and not make eye contact with anyone that looked like they would begin talking to us. This is when I really began to see the response that other people began to have. The looks of disgust or indifference are the usual face that is pasted on metro riders or travelers in the train station. A few weeks ago I began to realize that I had become one of those people that had started to become calloused and hardened against the fast paced city, with the mindset of lookout for yourself and forget about the rest. However, I realized while racing through Termini one day that that is not who I want to be – I do not want to be that person who cuts down everyone in front of me to get to my destination the quickest, I do not want to be that person who gives the lady on the corner begging for money a snide comment and a disgusted face, nor do I want to be that person that loses compassion for others around her. To lose that compassion in a way heightens my reaction to judge someone- making a decision of whether or not they are doing what I would condone. However, I cannot judge another person because I have not walked in their shoes. It is not my place to pass judgment on those that walk by with a baby in one hand and a cup in another hand that is outstretched.
Although, we have been given more information about the people who live in Italy as Gypsies, about those that are from Africa and live under the Mafia’s control, and the Jews that were once housed in ghettos I still feel at a loss. I do not know what to make of the information that states that “Legalized” gypsies can share in the benefits of being an Italian citizen but with certain stipulations. At the same time we hear that people are leaving their homelands such as parts of North Africa in an attempt to escape the squalor and poor living conditions, coming to Italy to find a better home. However, it is at this most desperate time that people are taken advantage of and tricked into a slavery that keeps them still at a lower status of the social system that exists today. The cycle then is perpetuated over generations and as we witnessed in Naples children are being taught at a very young age to work. Their work begins with setting onto their faces a look that will melt your heart and make you reach into your wallet and give them money because it looks like they could use food or new clothes. However, if by giving them money, are we making it acceptable for them to continue this lifestyle of reliance and not actually finding “real” jobs.
Throughout our classes and tours throughout Venice and Trastavere we have seen ghettos that reflect a time when Jews were persecuted and put aside in society. We have been told about the reaction to their religion and the way they were used as an example to the rest of the world because of their disbelief in Jesus. In the same way, the stigma that has followed the Jews has followed the Gypsies and North Africans in Italy.
America is experiencing a parallel situation except it is with the Mexican/Hispanic culture. It is easy to be removed from the gypsy and African debate because we are leaving Italy in less than two weeks. However, this prejudice and mindset of keeping people at bay is everywhere. It is especially apparent in America where there are a huge number of international people that are vying for citizenship, work, or a better life.
In my opinion everything has to start somewhere. My plan of attack, as of right now, is to do what I can as one person. It may be small and insignificant but if I am able to help one person in a small way then I have made a step closer to ending a larger part of suffering. I believe that with one gesture we can make an example and show others that it is okay to show compassion to those standing on the sidewalk trying to get you to buy things. It is okay to show the gypsy who is begging compassion. Everyone needs a chance to be understood and cared for regardless of who or what they are.
No comments:
Post a Comment