Are they (Italians) brought up differently than americans? I believe that we earn it
2007-05-10 22:32:25 · 5 answers · asked by CiciaBella 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I was raised to automatically show respect to my elders, but I don't think that's specific to Italians and is just the thinking of an older generation (i.e. my parents). In Italy, it seems to me that it is more an issue of formality than respect. For example, unless you are on very friendly terms with someone, you always address them by title (Mrs., Mr. and such) and use the "polite" form of speech. Whether or not that is a true sign of respect, well, I would guess not. It's merely the custom and the structure of the language.
I agree with you - respect should be earned!
2007-05-11 00:00:44 · answer #1 · answered by voodoodolly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Americans/Western cultures do have a lot of respect for a lot of things.
The one thing that seems to be different about them with other cultures though is the issue of respect for elders. Other cultures: Asians, Africans etc do have a specific and clear consideration for elders.
In Zambia for example, our languages distinguish whether we are referring to an elder or a kid in contrast to the English language for example whose distinction is on whether your are referring to a male or a female.
As such, elders in our cultures are automatically GIVEN the respect. But the significance of this respect becomes a hundred fold when the individual elder also works to EARN that respect.
So through language and culture societies differ and some show more respect than others. But all cultures have good and important values and so in the end it is all good.
Sometimes it is individuals that mess things up.
2007-05-10 22:56:48 · answer #2 · answered by Wy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe respect comes with good deeds one performed...however it is polite to respect every human being, it's a part of good behavior codex...As far as I know Italians ( which are our neighbors - I'm from Slovenia ) are mostly decent people, which respect life and human beings...
2007-05-11 00:49:12 · answer #3 · answered by javornik1270 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a nutshell, respect is given "by default", if I can borrow from computer gergon; generally you are respected till you do something wrong, mainly showing yourself lack of respect.
2007-05-11 01:08:27 · answer #4 · answered by Pinguino 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im italian, and you must earn it
2007-05-11 09:45:53 · answer #5 · answered by xoxocean 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋