| Come discuss the future of our Italo-Canadian culture in
North America wth our guest panelists.
From 2pm to 5pm at Caffè Epoca 6778 St-Laurent, Montreal.
The first debate held by Giovita was Sunday April 30, 2000 at 2:00 in
the afternoon. The issue at hand was "Cosa riserva il nuovo millennio all'identita
italo-canadese". The Debate was held at Café Epoca, a common place
for young Italo-Canadians to meet for a cappuccino or espresso. In doing
so, they had the opportunity to discuss about their future identity. The
panelists were: Lora Cianci; Anna Panunto; Lilly Renda; Alain Laferrière;
and Nick Di Vincenzo, All the panelists are from different backgrounds
and therefore brought their personal experience to the debate allowing
it to be a success. What made the debate interesting was the fact that
the audience had a chance to express themselves. If they wanted to discuss
about certain doubts or inquire on certain topics they could have done
so freely.
Many questions were asked to the panelists to allow for certain specific
issues to be discussed. One issue that emerged from our discussion was
the language issue. Language is important for this culture to have continuity.
Many people stated that the importance is the fact of feeling Italian that
matters, others pointed out the fact of how could this culture live through
the generations if the language is not spoken.
Another point that was brought forth was the fact that we are maintaining
an Italian culture that does not represent the way Italians live in Italy
at the moment. The Italian culture we are familiar with is one that we
have inherited from our grandparents. The people that have immigrated many
years ago, when they think of Italy look back with nostalgic feeling to
what was left behind. It is only normal that the culture that we, second
generation have grown to learn about is seen through the eyes of our parents,
not through the eyes of what Italy really is today.
In conclusion one young lady mentioned that, for this culture to be
always alive, one must not follow the rule of the three D's: dancing; dressing;
and drinking. What the young lady meant was there is more to the Italian
culture than sipping an espresso, parading in Gianni Versaci jeans, or
dancing a tarantella. That is what we have to work on. |
