Saturday, November 08, 2008

SIAMO QUA

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.

12 comments:

Colin Campbell said...

Glad to hear you are out and about again. Hope you are feeling better.

Leslie: said...

It 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...

Ellee Seymour said...

Most unfortunate choice of words.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Thank 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.

PinkAcorn said...

I've read a few articles referring to Berlusconi's history of faux pas but I really thought this somewhat intentional. Maybe?

Ruthie said...

I'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?

James Higham said...

This is bold for you, WC. Berlusconi is sacrosanct, no? :)

Whispering Walls said...

Berlusconi'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?

Unknown said...

Hello, 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.
Thank you for your time.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

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.

Gledwood said...

I just couldn't work out what the gaffe was meant to MEAN... y'know...

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Yes, I do see what you mean, Gleds.

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