L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 2 " Today, working abroad should no longer rep- r e s e n t a n e c e s s a r y , risky and distressing c h o i c e f o r a n y o n e . Rather, it should be an oppor- tunity, especially for young p e o p l e . I t i s t h e R e p u b l i c ' s responsibility to ensure that it is a free choice." This is what the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, said in the v i d e o m e s s a g e t o I t a l i a n s abroad he sent for June 2nd. "The task is moving from 'brain drain' to 'circulation of talents,' and nourishing a virtuous cycle of skills and competencies," he said. The Head of State's intervention urges a change in perspective, including a differ- ent perception of emigration - a phenomenon that has linked Italy and the United States for centuries - and the cultural and professional exchanges it generates. Millions of Italians set off for America and, over time, created the Italian American com- munity. We shouldn't forget that millions of Italians, after their American experience, returned to Italy, too. But there are also, albeit it is less evident and recorded, millions of Americans who have constant, deep contacts and relations with Italy and Italians. These "pieces" make up our societies and create an intertwined community on both sides of the ocean. Italians and Italian-Americans are a wealth for both the Italian and the American nation From the Editor On the occasion of Republic Day our Head of State said, "I would like to extend my greetings to our fellow citizens who work, study and live abroad; to citizens of other states, who are of Italian origin, and who love the roots of their family his- tory; to all people who, beyond our borders, love and appreci- ate our country." We do not often reflect on it, but we do actu- ally belong to a larger community than we think. Narrow borders do not accurately describe the identities and diverse roots of our social and cultural heritage. Yet, we should take them into account not only because they enrich us personally, but also because they can enrich the social groups we share our intercultural heritage with. A frequent mistake is to con- sider Italian-Americans - the so-called "hyphenated Italians" (and the same applies to emigrants of other nationalities) - as a sort of in-between, something not quite American and not quite Italian, an intermediate and imperfect category of soci- ety (which, in turn, is much less homogeneous than we may think). In truth, they hold special qualities, values, character- istics; they are ambassadors of multiple cultural heritages; they create bridges between different affiliations and defini- tions. "Over the centuries, countless travelers, explorers, artists, and entrepreneurs have crossed our borders, honoring Italy in every field. There are numerous stories tied to illustrious fel- low citizens who have traveled paths and routes around the world, leaving behind art, beauty, culture, wisdom, and know- how," Mattarella continued. These contributions should be taken into account more often, not to claim their origin or take national credit, but to show the value of those who choose also another country to realize their life and work project. However, Mattarella went on, many examples were "associ- ated with emigration triggered by poverty. Many Italians sought fortune elsewhere, creating wealth and civilization thanks to the work and commitment they developed. These fellow citizens of ours, despite initial difficulties and mistrust, have largely contributed to the economic and civic growth of their host countries, integrating perfectly into those contexts with cleverness, passion, and new civic spirit. Emigration, with the pain and sacrifices that went with it, also contributed to the development of the homeland, by boosting trade and connections, increasing investments and incomes with the remittances of emigrants, expanding people's world view, and creating an unparalleled wealth of experiences and training for those who chose to return. A story of deprivation and hardship but, ultimately, also of redemption and success." The regenerative effects of migrations are often stronger than bor- ders. "Since the end of World War II, the world has experienced an era of globalization with rapid connections and interac- tions, exchanges, meetings between experiences and cultures." And precisely because the world is without borders, the idea of moving to work, learn, and get experience, should also be without boundaries. "The wealth of experiences gained in other realities and other countries enrich the talented people who go abroad. They are precious and appreciated, also because they are aware of how the meeting and dialogue between cultures, the circulation of different ideas and con- ceptions, are key for further development in all fields. It is about moving from 'brain drain' to 'circulation of talents,' nourishing a virtuous cycle of skills and competencies. By doing so, our fellow citizens influence and enhance other countries with their own culture and way of life, and this is invaluable." Sergio Mattarella, on the occasion of Republic Day, con- cludes his message by saying: "Dear Italians abroad, the Republic develops and progresses thanks to the energies and skills of its people. You, too, contribute to it, with your lived experiences, your intelligence, and your capacity to create net- works and communication channels. You can connect and present to the world the values that make Italy unique, while constructively interacting with the experiences and values of others. You, too, are the Republic!" Simone Schiavinato, Editor Simone Schiavinato NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS Member of FUSIE (Federazione Unitaria Stampa Italianaall'Estero), COGITO L'Italo-Americano 610 West Foothill Blvd. Unit D, Monrovia, CA 91016 - Tel.: (626) 359-7715 PLEASE SEND CORRESPONDENCE TO P.O. BOX 6528, ALTADENA, CA 91003 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano Newspaper (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization), www.italoamericano.org, is the largest and longest-running Italian newspaper in America, not to mention the cultural and news resource for all things Italian in the US. A bilingual newspaper which repre- sents an historical landmark for the Italian American Communities in the West Coast and throughout the US. L'Italo-Americano benefits from subsidies by the Italian Government, Memberships and Donations intended to support and not interrupt a mission that began in 1908 to preserve and promote the Italian language and culture in the USA Periodicals postage paid at Monrovia, California 91016, and additional mailing offices. PUBLISHER Robert Barbera Grande Ufficiale EDITOR IN CHIEF Simone Schiavinato ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Patrick Abbate EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Barbara Minafra COPY EDITOR Francesca Bezzone LOS ANGELES CONTRIBUTOR Silvia Nittoli SAN FRANCISCO CONTRIBUTORS Serena Perfetto SEATTLE CONTRIBUTOR Rita Cipalla CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mariella Radaelli, Matt Walker, Francesca Bezzone, Luca Ferrari, Stefano Carnevali, Paula Reynolds, Nicoletta Curradi, Generoso D'Agnese, Jessica S. 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