Common Stereotypes About Italian People

 Common Stereotypes About Italian People

These common stereotypes about Italian people will probably have been heard by just about anyone in the world. Everyone loves to use them to annoy other people, but no one likes to hear it about themselves. So far Europe Language Café have talked about GermanDutchSpanishFrenchEnglish and Portuguese stereotypes. In this week’s blog, we will discuss what the common stereotypes about Italian people are! Let’s find out which of them are true and which ones are false.

  • THEY ONLY EAT PASTA AND PIZZA

This is the most obvious stereotype about Italian people. We know that you may be surprised by this, but there are hundreds of dishes in Italy, thanks to the different traditions coming from the 20 regions.

The do’s and don’ts of the Italian cuisine are numerous and sometimes changes can be frowned upon, especially when it comes to strange mixes (how can you eat pizza with pineapple?).

 

  • THEY DRINK CAPPUCCINO AT ALL TIME

Just to make it clear and avoid misunderstandings, drinking a cappuccino is one of the best ways to start the day! [Yes, in bold, because Italians don’t have it after lunch or in the afternoon or, even worse, at night]

 

  • THEY ARE VERY LOUD AND TALK WITH HANDS

Yes, we admit, their voices are a little bit louder than normal, but they are not the only bad ones for this.  Italian is a beautiful language after all!

However, the way Italians really express themselves is using gestures: it is a language itself, used to stress ideas and convey better our message.

 

  • THEY CARE ABOUT FASHION AND STYLE

This is also a huge Italian stereotype. Yes, Italians have a general sense of style. But no, they don’t all dress in super expensive alta moda clothes or always wear sunglasses indoors as if they were at the Milano Fashion week.

 

  • THEY ARE INVOLVED WITH THE MAFIA

This is maybe the most annoying stereotype for an Italian to be associated with.

The Mafia is a difficult subject in Italy, and while it’s true that it is spread across Italy in different forms, not everyone is corrupted, tax evaders, drug dealers or murderers.

 

  • ITALIANS ARE BAD DRIVERS

Despite being the country of Ferrari and many other top car brands, Italians are said to be fast drivers and not so respectful of the road laws.  This sometimes is also applied to pedestrians that don’t really care for traffic lights and cross the streets in the so-called Italian style.

 

  • ITALIAN MEN ARE CHARMING

It’s a common belief that all Italian men are handsome and charming, always willing to lend a hand and enjoy flirting. Is that true? Well, that depends on your experience of course.

 

What do you think about these common stereotypes about Italian people?  Do you agree with them?

Some of the stereotypes were broken, some of them were proved, but that is what makes Italy such a wonderful place!

Would you like to move to Italy and find a job there?

Thank you for hanging out with Europe Language Café and see you in our next blog!

Europe Language Café

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