Welcome home, neighbor over the mountains. I hope you all received more moisture than we did this winter. I hope and pray that we won’t have a bad wildfire season.
The Forest Service has been doing controlled burns for the past two months, so we have endured the kinds of smoke-filled skies we normally enjoy during late summer.
All the best with your summer plans, and I hope we little people can begin to prosper.
Thank you, neighbor! :) We haven't had any fires here yet. That's a real concern... praying for the best! Just walked by the Big Wood and happy to see if flowing well - for now, at least.
My hopes are the same as yours. May the tide turn in our favor. Soak in the warmth and sunshine!
I've also noticed the class disparity in the North and South in the US AND in Italy. As someone is 1/2 Siciliana, 1/4 Napolitana, 1/4 Toscana, I experienced the attitudes of the north over south right in my own family. My Nonno and Nonna were dirt poor, but being from Lucca, there was still a sense of superiority over the "south". My father, born and raised, working class in CT, also has that same attitude about the US south.
Having a sense of pride about where you come from is great, but it's even better when you can relate to others who come from struggle, no matter WHERE they're from.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and that of your family! Very interesting. Did you know that until 1993, Northern Italian blood banks would not accept donations from southern Italians due to the belief that southern blood was inferior? That only stopped when the EU demanded it. Crazy. Yet the perceptions and prejudice remain.
Mmm, I know that feeling you describe of "swelling", a longing to go home. I felt that way about Mexico (where I grew up) for years until I did, finally, move back! You should totally buy that sweatshirt- I've bought several Mexico-themed t-shirts just for love, not need :)
Great food for thought on the north vs. south disparities. I've lived in both north and south parts of the USA (New York, Connecticut in the north, Texas and Florida in the south) as well as northern and southern states within Mexico and of course, the U.S. and Mexico themselves, which are a certainly a good example of what you're talking about. Mexico is far wealthier than people outside realize, though, and lately, has become even more desirable as a place to live for more people from the "north".
You have me stumped on the show question. It's hard to answer given the diversity of the country. What cultures define the United States (I hesitate to call it "America" since Mexico is part of America too), if not all of them together? Of the shows you mention, only Modern Family includes a Latino (Sophia Vergara, who is a pretty offensive, stereotypical representation of a Latina woman, in my opinion). Anyhoo, lots of good food for thought and I'm rambling but you've sparked some interesting ideas in my head to mull over :) Thank you!
Yes, I saw that you recently moved back! I hope to catch up on your substack soon. Lots to mine in that experience!! You and I have both lived in a lot of places - north and south. I wonder, within Mexico is there also this disparity between locations?
You are absolutely correct about the lack of diversity in the shows I mentioned. And I would agree about Vergara's character, though she did demonstrate some particular cleverness and sophistication at times. (I think the character grew) I don't really watch TV so I'm not familiar with what's out there now but I have studied how older shows really reflected our culture and our cultural myths. Lots to mull over. I have a tendency to overthink my posts - and I already see how many things I failed to include - but I just wanted to get this out ASAP. Glad it resonated!
It's great to have you back in Idaho, Jan! Your comment, "I write for community, not vanity." reminds me of a quote I found recently and love, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is an act of political warfare." ~ Audre Lorde. Somehow, those two phrases are emotionally connected in my mind.
Hi Anita! Thank you, it's good to be back. (as long as I can keep coming and going to Sicily as well! :) Wow - I love that quote from Lorde. This is still the case as women - our culture our present politics don't support our self-care. Crazy. Thanks for sharing. I have to remember that quote!
What a neat post, Jan—love the idea of the north-south divide. Didn't know you were raised on the South side of Chicago! I watched the Obamas' speeches twice yesterday, and they were glorious and uplifting. I hope I can visit Chicago soon and tour his library and campus. Every time I hear President Obama and Michelle speak, I just weep, both in gratitude for what they gave us and the hope they still share with our country.
Oh Joan, I'm with you. They continue to be the epitome of grace, elegance, and compassion in action. I never tire of hearing either of them speak. And actually, this time I thought Michelle's speech was the best. I agree - they continue to provide us all with hope in a time when we need it most. Caring for each other and caring about the world - what a radical and subversive idea!
Really enjoyed this, Jan. I love Chicago! My dad grew up in Chicago Heights (working class suburb in the south) and I lived there after college for a year. I’ve often wondered about the north-south difference, too. That term, “Global South,” referring to poorer countries. The legacy of colonialism and exploitation by richer northern countries. Sicily is such a special place, like a land that time forgot. Sad that billionaires have discovered it.
Yes, I know Chicago Heights! So you, too, have some experience with this north-south discrepancy. I hadn't hear the term Global South, however. Interesting. As long as there's social media, people with means will continue to discover the treasures heretofore enjoyed solely by the locals. Alas. (Thanks for dropping a note - nice to hear from you!)
Well friend, I saw that you, too, needed a break from the insanity and were equally inspired to step back in. So grateful to you and Julie for all your grassroots work! And good to see Julie elected on the local level. I look forward to the day we will celebrate a change in the right direction! Hugs.
The sweatshirt is great. Dark brown is underrated.
Fantastic piece. I started to get emotional reading it, and wondered if you felt that way writing it. It was lovely to read about your memories. The themes of community, working people, and belonging bring it home for a lot of folks.
I am so glad the library was built in Chicago and so much thought went into the location and community. Its exactly the sort of thing I expect President Obama to do as in this is my vision and please participate in the sort of civic life I believe in.
Welcome home, neighbor over the mountains. I hope you all received more moisture than we did this winter. I hope and pray that we won’t have a bad wildfire season.
The Forest Service has been doing controlled burns for the past two months, so we have endured the kinds of smoke-filled skies we normally enjoy during late summer.
All the best with your summer plans, and I hope we little people can begin to prosper.
Thank you, neighbor! :) We haven't had any fires here yet. That's a real concern... praying for the best! Just walked by the Big Wood and happy to see if flowing well - for now, at least.
My hopes are the same as yours. May the tide turn in our favor. Soak in the warmth and sunshine!
I've also noticed the class disparity in the North and South in the US AND in Italy. As someone is 1/2 Siciliana, 1/4 Napolitana, 1/4 Toscana, I experienced the attitudes of the north over south right in my own family. My Nonno and Nonna were dirt poor, but being from Lucca, there was still a sense of superiority over the "south". My father, born and raised, working class in CT, also has that same attitude about the US south.
Having a sense of pride about where you come from is great, but it's even better when you can relate to others who come from struggle, no matter WHERE they're from.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and that of your family! Very interesting. Did you know that until 1993, Northern Italian blood banks would not accept donations from southern Italians due to the belief that southern blood was inferior? That only stopped when the EU demanded it. Crazy. Yet the perceptions and prejudice remain.
Wow, I'm shocked, but not surprised. Thanks for the history lesson.
Mmm, I know that feeling you describe of "swelling", a longing to go home. I felt that way about Mexico (where I grew up) for years until I did, finally, move back! You should totally buy that sweatshirt- I've bought several Mexico-themed t-shirts just for love, not need :)
Great food for thought on the north vs. south disparities. I've lived in both north and south parts of the USA (New York, Connecticut in the north, Texas and Florida in the south) as well as northern and southern states within Mexico and of course, the U.S. and Mexico themselves, which are a certainly a good example of what you're talking about. Mexico is far wealthier than people outside realize, though, and lately, has become even more desirable as a place to live for more people from the "north".
You have me stumped on the show question. It's hard to answer given the diversity of the country. What cultures define the United States (I hesitate to call it "America" since Mexico is part of America too), if not all of them together? Of the shows you mention, only Modern Family includes a Latino (Sophia Vergara, who is a pretty offensive, stereotypical representation of a Latina woman, in my opinion). Anyhoo, lots of good food for thought and I'm rambling but you've sparked some interesting ideas in my head to mull over :) Thank you!
Yes, I saw that you recently moved back! I hope to catch up on your substack soon. Lots to mine in that experience!! You and I have both lived in a lot of places - north and south. I wonder, within Mexico is there also this disparity between locations?
You are absolutely correct about the lack of diversity in the shows I mentioned. And I would agree about Vergara's character, though she did demonstrate some particular cleverness and sophistication at times. (I think the character grew) I don't really watch TV so I'm not familiar with what's out there now but I have studied how older shows really reflected our culture and our cultural myths. Lots to mull over. I have a tendency to overthink my posts - and I already see how many things I failed to include - but I just wanted to get this out ASAP. Glad it resonated!
It's great to have you back in Idaho, Jan! Your comment, "I write for community, not vanity." reminds me of a quote I found recently and love, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is an act of political warfare." ~ Audre Lorde. Somehow, those two phrases are emotionally connected in my mind.
Hi Anita! Thank you, it's good to be back. (as long as I can keep coming and going to Sicily as well! :) Wow - I love that quote from Lorde. This is still the case as women - our culture our present politics don't support our self-care. Crazy. Thanks for sharing. I have to remember that quote!
Hope all is well with you. Happy Summer!
What a neat post, Jan—love the idea of the north-south divide. Didn't know you were raised on the South side of Chicago! I watched the Obamas' speeches twice yesterday, and they were glorious and uplifting. I hope I can visit Chicago soon and tour his library and campus. Every time I hear President Obama and Michelle speak, I just weep, both in gratitude for what they gave us and the hope they still share with our country.
Oh Joan, I'm with you. They continue to be the epitome of grace, elegance, and compassion in action. I never tire of hearing either of them speak. And actually, this time I thought Michelle's speech was the best. I agree - they continue to provide us all with hope in a time when we need it most. Caring for each other and caring about the world - what a radical and subversive idea!
Really enjoyed this, Jan. I love Chicago! My dad grew up in Chicago Heights (working class suburb in the south) and I lived there after college for a year. I’ve often wondered about the north-south difference, too. That term, “Global South,” referring to poorer countries. The legacy of colonialism and exploitation by richer northern countries. Sicily is such a special place, like a land that time forgot. Sad that billionaires have discovered it.
Yes, I know Chicago Heights! So you, too, have some experience with this north-south discrepancy. I hadn't hear the term Global South, however. Interesting. As long as there's social media, people with means will continue to discover the treasures heretofore enjoyed solely by the locals. Alas. (Thanks for dropping a note - nice to hear from you!)
Fantastic piece, Jan! So glad you’re back on the page. I’ve missed the fresh air of your thoughtful and delightfully subversive writing.
Thank you friend. I have never thought of my writing as subversive - but I like that idea, I like it a lot! :)
Loved this my fellow Chicagoan! Like the Obama, your words so resonate on what it means to be home, feel home and in community. 🩷
Well friend, I saw that you, too, needed a break from the insanity and were equally inspired to step back in. So grateful to you and Julie for all your grassroots work! And good to see Julie elected on the local level. I look forward to the day we will celebrate a change in the right direction! Hugs.
The sweatshirt is great. Dark brown is underrated.
Fantastic piece. I started to get emotional reading it, and wondered if you felt that way writing it. It was lovely to read about your memories. The themes of community, working people, and belonging bring it home for a lot of folks.
I am so glad the library was built in Chicago and so much thought went into the location and community. Its exactly the sort of thing I expect President Obama to do as in this is my vision and please participate in the sort of civic life I believe in.
Thank you. I was emotional listening to the Obamas. 🧡