While reading the novel, The Italians by, Luigi Barzini, it becomes evident that he is very bias free. Barzini tries to look at the Italians as a foreigner and an Italian which he is. Upon his ways of "splitting apart" the different people who visit Rome, I believe I fall under the student category. Although I am currently quite ignorant of the Italian culture, art, linguistics, and everything else, I do want to learn and broaden my views of Italy itsself. I now understand how difficult it is for foreigners to enter another country. Especially not knowing the language of their foreign destination.
While some Italians have been very helpful and polite about my lack of Italian language, others have been very distant and even a tad rude at times. Do I blame them for being rude? Not at all. Adminittingly, in the United States, I personally have great frustration dealing with foreign people. It was always my belief to "learn the language" before you visit somewhere. Personally, I have grown to realize "learning the language" is more difficult than expected and to be a student here has graciously given me instruction of others in order to help my language barrier. While studying in Rome, I hope to not only take away all sorts of knowledge including art, history, philosophy and other topics.
Before entering The Colliseum, I was once again not very educated on the the topic including the site and history. I became throughly amused when learning about the dates when The Colliseum was actually used. Especially after I figured out that events were going on about 2,000 years ago. The whole idea of arcitecture lasting that long really blew my mind. Some buildings that were built in the 20th century in America have not even lasted until today. Thinking that over 2,000 years ago, man was smart enough to build buildings makes me wonder how many other things were done and just not left for the history books.
Although The Colliseum amused me in many ways, I got a sense of erie feelings while being inside. Although people are killed in war and I find that very exciting, the fact that men were killed for entertainment really bothered me. Not only were men killed, animals too. Looking at all of the seats in The Colliseum I felt disgusted that so many people were watching and getting amusment out of the torture and killing of others. I realize that the killing of others for entertainment was yet just another fad. It was in 2,000 years ago however, not much today. Although there are dog fighters and other animals used currently, it is not as influental to the public or socially excepted. This makes me feel a lot better because people doing the killings are not getting praise for such things.
The Forum was very appealing to me because of the huge change in the appearance of politics. In America, we do not always put all parts of political branches together in a 'piazza' or center. The whole idea of it really fascinated me. Especially the use of the temples. Temples in the United States are still used in the appearance of political buildings. Knowing that certain architectures have been carried on and built in more modern versions to this day is absolutly crazy.
My world view has changed a lot in the few days I have been here. I have realized that being more open is a better way to be. Being trapped in my United States bubble has restricted my beliefs and values. Being able to struggle with language has only made me a better person. I can now explain myself better by using my hands and speaking slowly. Also, I have learned not to get frusterated when people cannot understand me. Because, personally I cannot understand others who come to the United States. Personally, I have come more worldy by accepting other cultures too. I realize that in Italian culture it is acceptable to drink a glass of wine at dinner, almost at any age. I have also become more protectant of myself by becoming more worldly. I now realize that guarding my personal belongings and keeping myself in safe cities in Rome is very important. Knowing how to be worldly becomes very nessecary in order to adapt to other cultures and respect how they live on a daily basis.
It does seem strange to be in a place where everyone speaks a different language. It has given me a new appreciation for how foreign-speaking visitors must feel when they come to America. I admit that I would also get annoyed with them for not understanding English, but being here has changed that. It is hard to communicate when not knowing the language of the country. I am going to be more patient at home when they are trying to communicate with me.
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