Antiberlusconism
‘Antiberlusconism’ is a term which is being bandied around more and more at the moment in Italy. It is almost as if quite a few Italians are starting to feel sorry for Italy’s much persecuted prime ministerial billionaire.
Should the long of the law ever manage to catch up with Silvio, he’ll probably achieve a form of martyrdom. At least this is the impression I’m starting to get. One wonders whether Berlusconi bashing is destined to become something of a minority sport.
I suppose people are right to consign such a sordid activity to the annals of history, I mean, just what is wrong with a prime minister who passes legislation which conveniently blocks a case brought against him. And who cares if he ends all that pesky telephone tapping? What’s wrong with helping out your friends?
Let’s not forget that passing a law which guarantees immunity from prosecution while someone holds high public office, such as prime minister, is a pretty normal thing to do, especially when such person has such a squeaky clean slate. It’s just the sort of thing any of us would do if we had been voted into power, now isn’t it?
So the man is exerting just about total control over the country’s media. So what? Where’s the problem? This is all part of a normal democracy. As is putting the army on the streets to maintain law and order, when the law enforcement authorities have most probably had their resources cut back so much so as to avoid their interfering with cases that really are none of their business. Anyway, everyone who has anything to do with the law in Italy is a commie, as we all know.
When all’s said and done, Berlusconi is doing great things for the Living Museum. After all, at least his businesses, particularly the TV arms, produce wonderful programs such as Studio Aperto, and support top class journalists such as Emilio Fede. All those who work for Berlusconi businesses will keep paying their mortgages too, so everything is hunky dory.
Let’s have a ‘Be Nice to Berlusco’ week. I’m sure Beppe Grillo would be more than happy to take part. Di Pietro will be more than happy to join in too, and bake a big cake, as he is bound to accept that Italy simply does not need values. As for morals, such as honesty, well, Pope Benedict will take care of that side of things, as the RC crutch always has done. No worries.
Over to you my dear readers, tell me all those other nice things I can say about Italy’s beleaguered leader. Time to turn ‘antiberlusconism’ into ‘proberlusconism’. Once and for all.
Oh, and I’m now taking orders for all those ‘I Luv Berlusco’ badges which I’m having made. Let me know if you want one, or even two.
The Techno-Fashion Victims - Iphones and Blackberries
The lasted craze amongst the better heeled Milanese is the iPhone. This technological jewel and ultimate expression of cool has only just become available in Italy, semi-officially. A Vodafone shop near us has a few of the things in stock.
However, what the ingenious Italians have been doing is bringing these toys back from the US. Then they have been hacking and cracking the things so they can be used on Italy’s mobile phone networks. I see the things everywhere. My other half wants one too, and guess what? Yes, she knows someone who heads Stateside quite often. Joe, could you do me a favour??!!
The in-crowd has certainly decided that the iPhone is in. Big time!
On the other hand, those who regard the iPhone as being a bit too trivial (or heavy), and who wish to give the impression that they are switched-on fully connected professionals, go for the mobile phone/always on email manager made by Blackberry.
Blackberry’s are all over the place too. Just the thing for ensuring that you get those all important Hotmail messages as soon as they are written.
I have no doubt at all that there will be a few Italians who have the best of both worlds - an iPhone and a Blackberry.
Funny thing is, that although many here love to have the latest and greatest, all singing (ringing!!) and dancing mobile phone, most people only actually use these fully featured multi-function devices for simply making phone calls.
Enter the techno-fashion victims.
Italy - Armani, Versace, Dolce e Gabbana, Blackberry and iPhone.
The Exceptions to the Rule
Where I find myself teaching English there are Italians from all over Italy, so it may come as no real surprise to hear that a few Sardinians make it over to Milan to take masters. As a general rule, I have noticed that those who come from the Mediterranean isle have quite a different character from the ‘mainland’ Italians, in that they are quieter, more reflective and reserved. In this respect Sardinians are a little closer in character to those from the UK where I grew up.
Indeed, I find that once Sardinians get to know you, they are charming and friendly people. However, on one of the masters there are two Sardinians that do not fit into the traditional mould. The stereotype, incidentally, defines Sardinians as being all I’ve said plus being short and dark. Well, we all know that stereotypes are not really reliable and I’ve met quite a number of Sardinians who have been neither short nor dark, plus a few who have fitted the traditional image.
Anyway, back to these two exceptions. One is male, and I’ll call him Mr S, and the other is female and I’ll refer to her as Ms A. Neither of these two is quiet nor reserved, in fact both are rather extrovert. Mr S is not the tallest of people, it has to be said, but aside from his height, he is by no means a typical Sardinian.
On the other hand, Ms A is quite tall, and is far from being a closed island type, as is evidenced by her having spent time in London working in a pub to develop her English. If my memory serves, Ms A is from Cagliari, and she seemed to think that the stereotypical Sardinian came from north of the island, but I disagreed, because I’ve met people from both the south and the north and, generally, they have been reflective and reserved people regardless of where they are from in Sardinia.
As an aside, Ms A told me that she found the white native Londoners rather brusque and not all that helpful when she asked for information, however the foreigners in London were always ready to help, but the most helpful of all were the black native Londoners.
After digressing, I would say that both of the Sardinians I have mentioned would appear to have characters ideally suited to the extrovert world of PR which is what this master is preparing them for, and should do well.
I just hope that potential employers here in Italy do not see Sardinian on their CVs and decide to avoid them for this reason alone. That would be a shame, a great shame.
As for stereotypes, well, my advice would be to take them with a pinch of salt, and take people as you find them, not as you think you will find them.
-
Subscribe
News from Ansa- Suspects caught in tourist rape August 27, 2008Second attack on campers in Italy in a week
- Soccer: Menez heading for Roma August 27, 2008'Done deal,' agent says
- Solar panels on Mafia land August 27, 2008Plant will fund firms run by Cosa Nostra victims
- Pope slams crucified frog August 27, 2008Bolzano art museum says controversial sculpture stays
- Alitalia eyes Air France, Lufthansa August 27, 2008Troubled carrier heads for liquidation under new rules
- Monk fights for life after assault August 27, 2008Hooded gang attacked monastery near Alps
- Suspects caught in tourist rape August 27, 2008
-
-
The 442
-
