In so many words Berlusconi often likes to tell Italians that they should be pleased with what they’ve got.
The trouble is he is missing the point, what Italians want and need more than anything else is dignity.
If Berlusconi, or any other Italian politician for that matter, manages to achieve this goal, then he or she, will be welcomed as the country’s president. But it will take much more than the Italian national football team winning the World Cup from time to time to reach this objective.
Italians have a wonderful country and they should feel proud of it, and not feel embarrassed to be Italian – as often seems to be the case at the moment, usually as a result of the same person who likes to tell them they’ve never had it so good making ill considered off the cuff comments.
Berlusconi – give Italians dignity and you will go down in history as being one of Italy’s greatest leaders of all time.
Stands down from soap box.
bella says
Hello,
Just a note to let you know that I’m not ashamed, nor have ever been ashamed of being Italian, and I have never met anyone else (both in the USA and in Italy) who is ashamed of being Italian.
I don’t understand the basis for your opinion. I’m sorry that you feel this way about Italians’ self-perception and self-image.
I just found your blog and found it to be interesting and informative with many Italian resources.
loretta says
I wish to say that I’m italian and no way embarassed about being so. I also don’t know anyone among my social circle who feel like this at all.
As far as dignity is concerns I have always felt that we had plenty. Your post is very patronising and made me shake my head.