Disappointed in Xenophobic and Racist Italians on HelloTalk
I'm just coming up to the end of my first year of learning italian independently and quite intesely. One of the methods I've been using is HelloTalk for language exchange and while they're somewhat superficial, I've developed friendly relationships with the people on there with whom I convserse regularly.
I know the app discourages talking about politics (which in some respects I understand, but in reality I think it's impossible to NEVER talk about it, particluarly when you're getting to know someone on a personal level.)
We talk about our day, the things that are happening in our lives... so, a few weeks ago I was deeply disturbed by the riots in Belfast (where I grew up.) I now live in London (I'm a white male and gay for some personal context.) So naturally I said I wasn't feeling great and was upset by the violence and what I see as the rise of facism, frankly. I know I really shouldn't be shocked, but I was still upset to hear some of the converstion that followed, racist tropes, anti-refugee/immigrant sentiment. I know Italy is a conservative place and generally the world is descending into this type of choas, but It's putting me off my journey to be honest. I'm conflicted about continuing to develop relationships with people who hold these types of views. I definitely know this is not ALL italians, the UK is a disgusting shitshow too obviously. I guess I'm writing this post to try and be re-assuered by someone out there that there are a healty amount of positive and non-racist Italians out there, worth being friends with.
I'm conflicted about how to proceed with people like this in general. My malaise, brought on by current events, is effecting my optimism about life (but especially now my optimism for this hobby which I had been LOVING). But I somehow want to maintain relationships with people and hope to change their minds or be a positive influence. But I'm struggling to exchange niceities with people who deep down are supportive or ambivalent to the dangerous ideas shaping our world.