Blog #5: GL 350: What is the point of leisure? Compare and contrast Italian culture to your own as it relates to leisure.

        What is the purpose of leisure? Many different cultures and individuals have different answers for this question. However, leisure is universally understood across the world as taking time to focus on personal enjoyable activities, while giving a person’s mind rest from daily stress. In other words, it provides a form of escape for a person. The United States and Italy have similarities when it comes to activities centered on leisure. However, there also exist differences between the two cultures. Let me initially focus on the similarities.

         In both countries we relish having time with family and friends. We both like to go out to restaurants, and have good conversations. Food is a center of both of our cultures and we both love to try new delicacies to try and relax. Drink is also incredibly prevalent. Whether it is alcoholic beverages, or just simple unknown little pleasantries, we love to experience this on our off time. Furthermore, we both like to go to the movies, enjoy television programs in the comfort of our homes with loved ones, and for the younger generations to go out to nightclubs and engage in raucous activities. It is nice to say that both nations have strong similarities when it comes to leisurely activities, but it is also important to note the differences that apply to both countries.

         In Italy Italians have a unique interval of time, typically from the hours of 1-4 where they take off work and go home to their families. In The Italians Barzini states in chapter nine that, “ a man may lose his quality of a gentleman…if he violates ordinary laws…offences are graduated in a scale of intensity…the most serious, fourth degree, are those which touch the family.” This quote is prevalent because to the Italians having a designated interval of time where they can interact with their families is incredibly important. To them, family always comes first for they believe that family is the rock that one can always return to. In addition, they typically eat afternoon meals, socialize, and then eventually nap when coming home. While some Americans think this is because the Italians are inherently lazy, they make up for this break by working into the night, typically until 7:30. Moreover, they work the weekends, principally Saturdays. Americans obviously do not have siesta when they work in their jobs. Apart from this, Italians absolutely, undeniably, unconditionally, love Soccer! They love to see national games whenever the opportunity presents itself. It is so ingrained in their culture that Italians train their children at an early age to practice soccer diligently. In America, we enjoy soccer but it is by no means close to the level of what Italians expect from the sport. Instead, we love playing and watching Football. In general, Americans typically like to put up their feet, grab a beer or two, converse with friends, and watch the game. This is quite a powerful, different dynamic between the Italians and the Americans when it comes to leisure. 

         The large majority of Italians are Roman Catholic. Many sources typically vary by a few percentage points, but all agree that approximately 90% of the population is indeed Catholic. This has consequently affected their art and architecture, in such a way that makes Italians vastly interested in artful activities. For example, many enjoy drawing, painting, molding clay, spray-painting, and many other similar hobbies. Even if it is not someone’s particular occupation to be a painter, for example, that does not mean that one does not enjoy this activity. Today, for Italian class I had the unique opportunity to meet and greet a couple of lovely Italian ladies. We all conversed for a while, obviously with Danilo’s help, and eventually came upon the topic of what she does outside of owning and managing her restaurant. Apparently, she is an architect along with being a painter. She loves to paint on her free time when she is not busy with her business. This was quite interesting to me, for it furthers the point that for a typical Italian who might not be a renowned artist, can still enjoy the pleasures of engaging in artistic endeavors. It seems to me that the average American is not particularly fascinated with art and architecture. Instead, since they work all the time, they usually enjoy the alluring activity of sleeping.

         In The Smiles of Rome Edith Wharton describes in Italian Villas and Their Gardens that, “ there are such depths of mystery in the infinite green distances and in the cypress-shaded pools of the lower garden, that one has a sense of awe rather than of pleasure in descending from one level to another of darkly rustling green.” She is specifically talking about the Villa d’Este at Tivoli. Again, the power of art and architecture pervades even in a seemingly arbitrary villa. Italians take pride in the fact that they can take a seemingly ordinary garden and transform it into something almost ethereal. Beauty and decadence simply cannot be avoided whenever in Italy. While the United States may not have predominantly impressive works of art and architecture, it does have remarkable scenic views. Take for instance the Grand Canyon. The sheer volume and expanse of this landmass in Arizona is staggering. Americans can leisurely take a trip to this impressive natural phenomenon and enjoy it for what it is. In contrast, Italians don’t necessarily have impressive natural phenomenon’s to pleasantly enjoy such as the Grand Canyon. They should travel to the United States to see Nature at its best and enjoy it leisurely. Leisure is something that will always remain prevalent. Even in a couple hundred years from now when we become dominated by the workplace we will still make time for leisure. Perhaps our sense of leisure will be one of a more integrated approach encompassing all cultures not just only America and Italy.           

Blog #4 Is our Health something which we have control over?

Is our health something, which we have control over? To answer this question one must consider what Gaudium et Spes has to say. According to part 2 chapter 3 it states that, “In the economic and social realms, too, the dignity and complete vocation of the human person and the welfare of society as a whole are to be respected and promoted. For man is the source, the center, and the purpose of all economic and social life.” In contemporary society, it seems that we are all obsessed with the “bigger, better” mentality. Modern day America does not believe that “man is the source, center, and purpose of all economic life.” Instead it believes that jobs are the center of economic and social life. Men and women are being overworked in multiple occupational settings and directly have their health affected in a negative manner. Even though America has ample resources for food and money, it does not take away the fact that our country is suffering from overworking its citizens.

            According to Juliet Schor who reported in The Overworked American: The Unexpected Decline of Leisure, “annual average work hours for Americans have risen from 1,679 in 1973 to 1,878 in 2000.” Consequently, this represents an increase of 199 hours, or roughly around five additional weeks annually. Relative to European workers U.S. workers labor an average of nine weeks more. In America we have shorter vacations, mandatory overtime, and work more hours at home even when the workday has ended. Also, at least 134 countries have laws setting the maximum length of the workweek. The United States does not have such a restriction. Moreover, the U.S. remains the only industrialized country in the world that does not have a legally mandated annual leave. Statistics can continue to be enumerated but I think I have gotten the point across. In simple terms, Americans are the outliers.

            It is very important to work hard and strive for personal betterment. I look to Gaudium et Spes yet again to further this point by stating, “Citizens, on the other hand, should remember that it is their right and duty, which is also to be recognized by the civil authority, to contribute to the true progress of their own community according to their ability.” If one genuinely loves what they do and are doing it for the right reasons then one is more than entitled to work incessantly. However, typically more work leads to a higher level of stress, which can lead ultimately to multiple heath problems, not to mention a lower quality of life. A recent statistic was just released by leading health activists Dembe, Erickson, Delbos, and banks in 2005: “Overtime schedules had the greatest incremental risk of injury, with overtime workers having a 61% higher injury hazard rate compared to workers in jobs without overtime, after controlling for age, gender, occupation, industry, and region.” The United States needs to recognize this issue and address it.

            In America there seems to be the ever-pervading idea that “money can buy happiness.” We absolutely love money; we crave it all the time no matter where we are. Our nation was founded on the “dog eat dog” approach. If we work harder than the other guy we consequently acquire more money, simple as that. It has been drilled into our heads that we are fundamentally lazy compared to our free market counterparts. A few examples include but are not limited to, China, India, and Mexico. A sort of paradox seems to develop, one primarily called the American paradox. Essentially, it means that no matter how much wealth we acquire we always desire more. It is a vicious cycle, and it is an idea that will always stay relevant. A vast majority of this money goes into the agricultural and food industry. It is true that we have ample resources of sufficient food and nutrition. However, even if one exercises diligently and is designated “physically fit” that does not necessarily mean one is “healthy.” According to John C. Goodman, “In Canada, the wealthy and powerful have significantly greater access to medical specialists than do the less well-connected poor” (Goodman, 2009). This quote furthers the idea that wealth pervades everywhere and controls directly for access to health care. Apart from this, what if an individual had excellent quality of nutrition but had cerebral palsy? That is a factor one cannot control for it is a predisposition. What if someone didn’t have an inherent condition to deal with but grew up in the slums surrounded by smog produced by the local factory? That is something one cannot control. We constantly fight to keep our health in check but the fact of the matter is that health in the end is something that is not in our direct control. Health in the United States will continue to be an issue of great discussion for years to come. It will never be something that one can control completely and utterly.

Blog #4 How does the Piazza provide a lens into the Italian Culture

All throughout Italian culture the idea of a Piazza has been utilized. One can see them almost after every corner in a seamlessly random orientation. They are essentially small, beautiful squares with an occasional fountain or two situated towards the periphery or towards the center. Some can be very congested with people, while others look like a pestilence has befallen the area. It is a place to laugh, converse, gossip, flirt, scream, traverse, and fall in love with. The Piazza is simply a wonderful place.

            One may ask what the particular significance of a Piazza is. What is so special about it? Why does it exist? No buildings are erected in it, are they essentially small little urban parks? The answer is in actuality quite simple. It is a place that more or less serves as a communal living room. Italians by nature and by culture do not like to have huge social gatherings in their homes. The Piazzas provide a place where Italians in the surrounding area or from other areas can gather and engage in lively conversation. Different families and friends can catch a breath of fresh air and enjoy themselves a little bit in the open. The Italians by their very nature are vivacious and sociable which the Piazza helps to bring about.

            In that air of confidence and congeniality the Italians nonetheless have a fearful undertone that seems to stamp their hearts. According to Barzini (1964), “fear can also be detected behind the Italians’ peculiar passion for geometrical patterns, neat architectural designs, and symmetry in general, which is part of their love for show, mainly the fear of the uncontrollable and unpredictable hazards of life and nature; fear and also its shadow, a pathetic desire for reassurance” (The Italians, p.111-112). The Piazzas are no exception to this observation. In most Piazzas, beautiful fountains are erected and stand proud and tall. They are undeniably symmetrical and are beautiful representations of an artful taste that Italians are well known for. In the book The Smiles of Rome Alice Steinbach furthers this point by stating that, “I was particularly drawn to the lovely Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, which I wandered into quite by chance. With its elegant raised fountain and charming sidewalk cafes, the square was an oasis of pleasant neighborhood bustle minus the motor scooters” (Steinbach, 241). However, through this beautiful physical representation it seems that the Italians exhibit it to ward off their own insecurities. They are absolutely obsessed by appearances and cannot stand when they are unnaturally exposed. It’s almost like being naked to them. You take away their passion for exterior beauty, and they are left raw. It is something that is very unique to their culture and lifestyle.

            There is a place by the name of Piazza Farnese that is very close to Campo de Fiori and Via Giulia one of the longest straight streets in Rome. It’s a relatively quaint little area with a fountain characterized primarily by a large basin. The Palazzo Farnese is now the French Embassy and is a very historic building. The Piazza even though primarily known for being a place of splendor, it can also be a place of trepidation. This applies to all Piazzas. One day when I was quietly sitting in the Piazza I noticed several people walking in the little square. One notable pair were an attractive couple that were strolling nonchalantly. The Two middle-aged men were observing this pair quite closely. Meanwhile another man came into the piazza relatively close to the men who were observing the couple. They did not say any words but they exchanged glances, gestured at each other and casually got up and strolled after the couple until they all left the square. This experience kind of shocked, while at the same enlightened me. This example provides a particularly close look into the Italian Culture. Italians are by their very nature and culture keen observers. They are constantly interested and/or worried about other people regardless of ethnicity. Whether their intentions are malicious or genial this is a true deduction. Piazzas will continue to fascinate me regardless of the negative aspects. Piazzas belong to the Italians, and to the Italians they shall remain.

Blog #4: How do Piazzas provide a lens into the Italian Culture?

All throughout Italian culture the idea of a Piazza has been utilized. One can see them almost after every corner in a seamlessly random orientation. They are essentially small, beautiful squares with an occasional fountain or two situated towards the periphery or towards the center. Some can be very congested with people, while others look like a pestilence has befallen the area. It is a place to laugh, converse, gossip, flirt, scream, traverse, and fall in love with. The Piazza is simply a wonderful place.

            One may ask what the particular significance of a Piazza is. What is so special about it? Why does it exist? No buildings are erected in it, are they essentially small little urban parks? The answer is in actuality quite simple. It is a place that more or less serves as a communal living room. Italians by nature and by culture do not like to have huge social gatherings in their homes. The Piazzas provide a place where Italians in the surrounding area or from other areas can gather and engage in lively conversation. Different families and friends can catch a breath of fresh air and enjoy themselves a little bit in the open. The Italians by their very nature are vivacious and sociable which the Piazza helps to bring about.

            In that air of confidence and congeniality the Italians nonetheless have a fearful undertone that seems to stamp their hearts. According to Barzini (1964), “fear can also be detected behind the Italians’ peculiar passion for geometrical patterns, neat architectural designs, and symmetry in general, which is part of their love for show, mainly the fear of the uncontrollable and unpredictable hazards of life and nature; fear and also its shadow, a pathetic desire for reassurance” (The Italians, p.111-112). The Piazzas are no exception to this observation. In most Piazzas, beautiful fountains are erected and stand proud and tall. They are undeniably symmetrical and are beautiful representations of an artful taste that Italians are well known for. In the book The Smiles of Rome Alice Steinbach furthers this point by stating that, “I was particularly drawn to the lovely Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, which I wandered into quite by chance. With its elegant raised fountain and charming sidewalk cafes, the square was an oasis of pleasant neighborhood bustle minus the motor scooters.” However, through this beautiful physical representation it seems that the Italians exhibit it to ward off their own insecurities. They are absolutely obsessed by appearances and cannot stand when they are unnaturally exposed. It’s almost like being naked to them. You take away their passion for exterior beauty, and they are left raw. It is something that is very unique to their culture and lifestyle.

            There is a place by the name of Piazza Farnese that is very close to Campo de Fiori and Via Giulia one of the longest straight streets in Rome. It’s a relatively quaint little area with a fountain characterized primarily by a large basin. The Palazzo Farnese is now the French Embassy and is a very historic building. The Piazza even though primarily known for being a place of splendor, it can also be a place of trepidation. This applies to all Piazzas. One day when I was quietly sitting in the Piazza I noticed several people walking in the little square. One notable pair were an attractive couple that were strolling nonchalantly. The Two middle-aged men were observing this pair quite closely. Meanwhile another man came into the piazza relatively close to the men who were observing the couple. They did not say any words but they exchanged glances, gestured at each other and casually got up and strolled after the couple until they all left the square. This experience kind of shocked, while at the same enlightened me. This example provides a particularly close look into the Italian Culture. Italians are by their very nature and culture keen observers. They are constantly interested and/or worried about other people regardless of ethnicity. Whether their intentions are malicious or genial this is a true deduction. Piazzas will continue to fascinate me regardless of the negative aspects. Piazzas belong to the Italians, and to the Italians they shall remain.

Blog #3 SOC 490 The United States and the Issue of high mortality rate

Throughout the 20^th century infant mortality rates within the United States and most other industrialized countries have consistently declined. Why is this? The advent of newfound medical knowledge and technology helped bridge the gap and lower the rate of deaths. Hospitals developed sophisticated neonatal intensive care units for newborns born with defects or other health related problems. Doctors discovered new innovative ways to prevent infant death syndrome by altering the sleeping positions of infants. In Gaudium et Spes it furthers this point that, “Hence, while earthly progress must be carefully distinguished from the growth of Christ's kingdom, to the extent that the former can contribute to the better ordering of human society, it is of vital concern to the Kingdom of God” (Part 1, chapter 3). This quote seems to elucidate the fact that we are all brothers and sisters and should care for one another and not gets wrapped up in the proceedings of the world. Apart from this, the list of inventive methods to improve the infant mortality rate goes on. However, towards the turn of the century the United States started to shift it’s progress in a negative manner. The rate of infant deaths within multiple states started to significantly rise. The increased mortality rate was particularly noticeable among African Americans who experienced higher rates of infant deaths comparable to Caucasians. There are principally five main components to mortality of infants one must consider: birth defects, sudden infant death syndrome, maternal health complications, unintentional injuries, and preterm related causes of death. While keeping this in mind many contemporary scientists have discovered a causality factor that directly links to the high infant mortality rate, specifically premature births. The U.S. is the wealthiest nation in the world. How did our country end up like this?

The sad, almost pathetic low survival rate seen in the U.S. are particularly linked to the high frequency of premature and preterm births. What is the allotted interval to be considered a preterm birth? Typically, most socioeconomic scientists look at when a woman is 22 and 37 weeks pregnant rather than the usual 37 to 41 weeks regular period. Additional causality factors have been linked to the high levels of emotional stress observed in mothers, which could lead also to preterm births. Correlation does not imply causation, but it is still something to consider when delving into this topic. A man by the name of David Stevenson who is a Stanford professor of neonatal and developmental medicine accurately summarizes this dilemma by stating that, “ over the past 30 years the rate of preterm births has remained an intractable problem…I think that we now need to take a different kind of approach to solving it.” Stevenson suggests an integrated approach to solving this nationwide problem. By collaborating and facilitating intelligent and effective conversations with statisticians, mathematicians, social scientists and possibly even ecologists, the U.S. fares better in determining the root of this prominent complication.

When one considers a clinical standpoint infectious diseases can negatively affect preterm births because these babies do not have fully developed, operational immune systems. Not only this, but a variety of other stressors can significantly increase preterm births. At 22 weeks gestation a fetus internal organs are vastly immature and still require considerable growth. However, at the 37-week mark their organ systems have reached maturity and are operational. However, during this interval the marking of a single day in gestation can have a profound impact on the capacity of the baby to live or die. As much as a 3 to 4 percent increase in survival has been recorded in several studies conducted at hospitals throughout the nation.  A recent Commonwealth survey described that, “ in the United States almost one in eight babies is born between 22 and 37 weeks gestation.” Considering how advanced our technology and the level of education of our doctors this statistic is absolutely unacceptable. Moreover, Furnas furthers this argument by stating that, “in 2003 the United States fell to last place among 19 industrialized nations in mortality from cases that might have been prevented with timely and effective care” (Furnas, pg. 27-28). We must try harder. 

Most American babies are born in hospitals and receive extraordinary care through the utilization of America’s neonatal intensive care units. However, once the babies are sent home with their families, in the specific case of a poor household, the poor families have considerably less access to quality healthcare compared to the affluent families. Ben Furnas furthers this point by depicting the idea in the Universal Healthcare textbook that, “the United States as a whole is performing well below the standards of health, efficiency, and care that are realistic and have been achieved in the most successful U.S. states and other developed nations” (Furnas, pg. 27). The advent of the Affordable Care Act hopes to stop this from happening by decreasing the frequency of the relatively high infant mortality rate. Only time will tell to see what the results shape up to be.

Even though there is considerable ambiguity that surrounds how we have essentially the highest infant mortality rate in all industrialized countries and still don’t know the exact cause as to why, we do have some answers. Smoking cigarettes, drinking during pregnancy, infections, high blood pressure, and diabetes all contribute to the frequency of preterm births. However, even with this there are still some questions left unanswered among differing populations. For example, women on lower income brackets along with women who have a husband in the military are considerably more likely to have a preterm baby. Will we ever know exactly why the U.S. has such high infant mortality rate issues, along with other health related issues such as diabetes, cancer, and lower respiratory infections? No, probably not. Nonetheless, the U.S. will continue to strive forward, and continue to improve upon existing problems.