For me, it’s to remove this “normal” filter that I have in public. To fully be myself and embrace my weirdness. To stop letting my anxiety dictate things. To dance as crazy as I want and sing my heart out. We really only live once and tomorrow is not promised. Ugly is BEAUTIFUL!🫶🏼
Italian American here. Both of my parents are from Italy and moved to America for a better life. I’ve always noticed when I tell Italians that I am Italian American, they almost always have a snotty attitude about it and ask “but do you speak the language?” Along with many other nasty remarks. My parents didn’t teach me and my siblings Italian because they wanted us to assimilate into the culture. I am actively trying to learn Italian now and I am not yet fluent. Even when I try to speak what I know to Italians they laugh in my face. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t know anything about the Italian culture, traditions, etc. that shouldn’t make me any less of an Italian American. I’ve just been so disgusted with the reactions that I get from Italians that if they ask I don’t even want to say I’m Italian American anymore, I think I am going to just start saying American. It makes me not want to be proud of my heritage and roots anymore. It makes me want to totally detach from this identity I’ve cultivated my whole life. I honestly feel shame and embarrassment. Does anyone else feel this way?