My answer to the essential question of this unit is the values and way of life that Italy has had
for much of its history. As mentioned in the purpose section, Italian families have had set gender
roles for an extended period of time, which they are just now breaking out of. I experienced this
myself with my grandma, where at Christmas, my grandma would spend all day in the kitchen
preparing a large feast for everyone, while all the men in my family just sat watching TV before
and after dinner. No help with dishes or even an offering of help during cooking, which is so
different from the culture I’ve grown up with in the US.
Next, I want to learn more about the differences in rights between the US and Italy and how Italy
is working towards a more inclusive culture and society. It will help me gain a better
understanding of Italian culture as a whole and provide some insight as to why the older
generation is the way it is, or maybe why they are for or against these changes. A strategy I will
implement to better my learning this term is using repetition to remember important words
and/or phrases. Writing things down and revisiting them a few times every day will help them
stick into my brain and Ill be able to use them during class, in assignments, and during
talkabroads.