We all have that staple Italian friend who smells like garlic and laughs when someone calls Olive Garden “Italian food.” But do you really know what Italian American’s are like? No, we don’t go around saying “Boopa-dee Bappa-dee ” or eat breadsticks all the time. Nor do we all act like the people on the Jersey Shore. Yes, most of us have had our hands hit with the wooden spoon, and no there is no such thing as too much garlic.
Here is what 20 John Carroll Students have to say about being Italian:
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There’s no such thing as a small and/or quiet family gathering. – Shae M ‘18
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Don’t fight Nonna, you are never eating enough. – Nina C ‘18
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Most people are like 90% water but I’m 90% olive oil. – Tyler ‘19
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Not all of us are tan goddesses. A lot of us are pale and dark haired beauties. – Nora C ‘16
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It’s all fun and games until Nonna whips out that wooden spoon. – Emily N ‘16
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Family is really important in the Italian community and helps retain our unique culture after being 3 generations away from the homeland.– Mike L 16’
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The only person allowed to do anything in the kitchen is Nonna. Don’t even try to help or you might get a shoe tossed at you. – Jackie ‘18
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(In a strong Italian accent) “Everything is going to be okay!” – Nicole S ‘19
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“Why are you grandparents fighting?” “They aren’t fighting they’re just talking about what’s for lunch” – Genevieve N ‘19
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No we don’t all have a Mob guy in the family….. not to say we don’t have a connection somewhere but they just aren’t blood. – Franki J ‘19
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I can actively participate in multiple conversations at one time because I’m so used to my entire family yelling across the table at each other on Sundays when we all get together for lunch – Leah B ‘17
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A Sicilian doesn’t count as an Italian. I think my Nonno would have a heart attack if I brought a Sicilian girl home for Sunday dinner. – Alex C ’17
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“JOE, THERE IS ENOUGH SALT IN THE PASTA. THE DOCTOR SAID NO MORE BECAUSE OF YOUR CHOLESTEROL.” – Gen ‘19
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Wine is served with every meal. Yes, even breakfast, it goes well with toast. – Anthony K ‘19
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Someone is always cooking something – diets aren’t much of an option – Jackie M ‘15
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Having multiple tomato and basil plants right outside your back door is pretty much the norm. – Jamie L ‘17
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I can’t confront people without feeding them a large amount of food first. – Kate D ‘15
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We love food, family, wine and flirting – keep us around even though we’re stubborn because we’re a good time with a big heart plus pasta lol all the pasta – Mary S ‘15
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There’s a whole lot of love no matter the occasion – Sarah S
- We always know somebody who knows somebody who… – Antonella D ‘16