Assignment 1

What are your general impressions of youth in Rome and Italy? How do these compare to your impressions of youth in the US and in Seattle?

Rome is infamous for its history and traditional outlook of life which is inevitably influenced by Catholicism. The role of the Catholic Church should not be underestimated.  As Carlo, one of the guest speakers from the ArciGay organization, commented “There are three powers in Italy. Two of which are the Mafia, and the Church. My general impression of youth in Rome is a synthesis of personal observations and information that I acquired from articles, as well as testimonies from Italians. In my opinion, the youth is ultimately set up to lose in the power struggle. Like elsewhere in the world, the experienced, influential and elderly reign over matters that concern all. The youth is another minority that must strive for recognition. In the United States, university campuses are the life of social activism. Higher-learning institutions aid hundreds of registered students organizations, each serving a different purpose, by providing resources essential for them to obtain success. These “American” scenarios are non-existent in Rome. How do the youth, then, organize? What of those that have no reason to protest? My impressions of youth in Rome vary slightly from that of the US and of Seattle. In all of these locations, the youth struggle with the transition to adulthood. The obtainment of employment is competitive, especially during the current economic crisis. Their voice in politics is limited and final decisions are ultimately out of their hands. Although my impressions may come off as pessimistic, I still have hopes for a brighter future. J