Some of my friends have declared themselves ashamed to be Italian following Berlusconi's reported Obama gaffe. "Britain has changed and America is about to change. E noi? Siamo qua [And us? We are here]", said another, sighing with true Sicilian resignation.
Glad to hear you are out and about again. Hope you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound odd to us, but maybe he didn't even think about Obama's race, and just thought he was being complimentary saying he is young and good-looking and referred to the "tan" as a sign of good health like Italians. I think often too much is made of a little. How are you doing? Back at work? Hugz...
ReplyDeleteMost unfortunate choice of words.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that, CC. I am making progress. Hi, me: quite possibly. I'm making progress but slowly. Not back at work yet. Thanks for the hugz - I need them! Hi, Ellee. Yes, it was certainly that.
ReplyDeleteI've read a few articles referring to Berlusconi's history of faux pas but I really thought this somewhat intentional. Maybe?
ReplyDeleteI'm confused about the gaffe... Maybe it's a language difference, but I didn't understand why it was offensive... I suppose I would have had to hear his tone and the context... do you know?
ReplyDeleteThis is bold for you, WC. Berlusconi is sacrosanct, no? :)
ReplyDeleteBerlusconi's sense of humour isn't to everybody's taste. How's his policy of putting the army on the streets to counter immigration going?
ReplyDeleteHello, I am actually trying to contact you because you are a retired teacher. My fellow teacher and I are from the United States and are writing a grant to study mathematics instruction in Sicily in elementary schools. We were wondering if you knew of any school that we should contact to create a base of study but also make a partnership with.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your time.
Hi, pink. I think so, too. Hi, Ruthie. Well, most people think "tanned" was a euphemism here. It could have been meant as an innocent joke, from the tone, but it was unfortunate, to say the least. Not at all, James. Hi, WW. I don't know as I haven't seen any troops down here. Hi, Rebecca. I will ask around but most of my contacts are in high school teaching. Could you let me have your email address? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI just couldn't work out what the gaffe was meant to MEAN... y'know...
ReplyDeleteYes, I do see what you mean, Gleds.
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