Two Things Italians Assume I'm an Expert in

I have learned over the years that Italians have a very narrow and specific idea of what it means to be an American. When I tell people I'm from the U.S., specifically mentioning San Diego, they say, "Oh! My cousin Beppe is in Syracuse!"

And then they wait for me to say I've been to Syracuse (I haven't) and that I know their cousin Beppe (I don't).

There are two other things Italians assume...

1. I'm on Top of American Politics (and I Want to Discuss)

This past year, America was the topic of discussion at almost every dinner and visit to the bar.

"Ehi, Su! What's your president done now??"

First of all, he's not MY president. And second, I can't (and choose not to) keep up. Yet everyone assumes I'm an expert in American politics.

I thought, in moving to Italy, I could escape the talking heads and overanalysis of every political move. Not so. While Italian news channels don't spend the entire hour on American antics, they still headline. I cannot escape!

2. I'm an English Teacher

Here, the attitude is: hey, you're a native English speaker...you want to teach my kid English, don't you??

Honestly, I used to get offended. But I've resigned myself and actually started teaching English last year. I realize I spend half of my marriage correcting Fra, so I might as well get paid to correct someone else speaking English.

For a lot of Italians, America is New York City, Los Angeles, and hot dogs. I try to introduce other aspects of my culture...but sometimes we're back to Syracuse!