Having the opportunity to learn from and build empathy with people from different backgrounds offers a wealth of insights and perspectives. To do that, though, it is critical to develop our skills of observation and listening and to be open-minded and willing to be uncomfortable (both physically and emotionally) to really be there. If “outreach” is imposing one’s values on others, without taking the time to learn about them and value their perspective, then it can do more harm than good.
How do the citizens of Italy accept people migrating into their country whether it be to seek a better life, or for new experiences?
Like in the U.S., there are a wide range of personalities, political views and understanding and acceptance of migrants among the Italian population. Recently, I spoke with a Bangladeshi man, M.D., who came to Italy to look for a job – he supports the education of his four nieces and nephews back in Bangladesh. He told me that most Italians were friendly and kind, but that he had also experienced discrimination and mistreatment. Some people also take advantage of migrants’ more vulnerable situations; in this M.D.’s case, he had a job doing manual labor, where he worked 12 hours per day but was only paid for four, but because he didn’t have legal documentation to be in Italy, he didn’t have any recourse. Not only was he hardly making enough money to support himself and his family, but he also suffered consequences to his health.
Are people in your pocket of Italy, on balance, more or less culturally conservative than in the United States?
