We've had a couple of intense discussions in class lately, again about nationality and identification.
It was interesting to hear from the Italian woman Giovanna that Italians, because their country is relatively new, generally do not consider themselves to be proud of their country. Instead, they identify much more with the city; they would refer to themselves as Romans or proudly declare that they come from Milan.
A second topic was whether we would consider moving to a different country. This was a very easy question for me since I moved from Taiwan to the US at the age of 10, and consequently I don't feel particularly attached to any one nation. Sure, my passport states USA, but for me the country is just a place I live; I would have no hesitation moving from San Francisco to Paris, just as easily as someone might move from Berkeley to San Jose, if there is a compelling reason to do so. I am certain there are many who are loyal to their countries and can't wait to lecture me on the importance of national identity and to remind me of what my country has provided for me; I respect that truly. But...
Maybe I can illustrate with an analogy. If you are born in New York then move to Boston at the age of 10, San Francisco at 15, then Chicago at 20, for whom do you cheer - the Yankees, Red Sox, Giants, or Cubs? Why must you love only the first one? Why can't you love all of them? Why must you love any of them?
