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ArchivesRe: Question
in reply to a message by Matthew 05
Because Italian-Americans' idea of Italian by culture is a shallow cartoonish stereotype and their last real connection to Italy was at *least* three generations ago. So of course when they decide they want to use an "Italian name" for their kid, they choose the most archetypal, recognisably Italian (but not *too* Italian or they won't be able to actually pronounce it!) Name that was popular back when their grandparents arrived on Ellis Island.
Meanwhile, *actual* Italians have obviously moved on from those names, just like Americans have moved on from John, Gary, Mary and Barbara. "Giovanni" isn't a sophisticated new exotic moniker- it's your uncle, grandpa and every other annoying angry old asshole. The idea that "The Old Country" is still a real living place that *also* modernises and diversifies never occurs to Americans.
Meanwhile, *actual* Italians have obviously moved on from those names, just like Americans have moved on from John, Gary, Mary and Barbara. "Giovanni" isn't a sophisticated new exotic moniker- it's your uncle, grandpa and every other annoying angry old asshole. The idea that "The Old Country" is still a real living place that *also* modernises and diversifies never occurs to Americans.
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