Yesterday I met Liam, an Australian guy, at the club. He said his country is boring. And the reason for this would be because Australia has no history. He even said: "White people shouldn't be there." I thought that was quite a statement.
Being born and raised in Italy, a country that lives on its past, I've never considered the lack of history as something that would affect me. But apparently, the lack of history can really be an issue, leading to a blurry sense of identity. At least, that's how it is for Liam.
I'm currently reading a book by Tobias Jones, The Dark Heart of Italy. It's beautifully written and it's also quite interesting to read about one's own country through the eyes of someone else. All those little details that one takes for granted are seen again by fresh, brand new eyes. It's a mirror that I quite enjoy look at to see myself reflected.
It's true: you need distancing to really appreciate what's missing. To fully become aware of your own identity. To realise how in love you can be with the country you ran away from. Little Italy... I'll come back, because you're worth it, after all!
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