As an American of Sicilian ancestry (both sides) I come from a VERY diverse and rich culture. I often smile when I hear Americans brag about our nearly 250-year history as the Melting Pot of the World. Seriously? Sicily has been the home for just about EVERY major civilization for over 3000 years! As the largest island in the Mediterranean and located at its very heart, Sicily has been invaded and occupied by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Moors, Arabs, Ottomans, Normans, French, Spanish, Germans, AND Americans. It seems that EVERYONE wanted a piece of what Sicily had to offer.
Throughout the centuries invading armies stayed and mingled with the local population, constantly adding their own cultures (and genes) to those already in existence on the island. In the case of Sicily and Sicilians, you’re talking about thousands of years and millions of people creating a gene pool and diverse culture that is difficult to rival. If you have ever traveled to Sicily’s capital city, Palermo, you will see this clearly reflected in its magnificent architecture. From Norman castles to Baroque cathedrals to the awesome Ottoman Gate into the city, few places can match its ancient architectural diversity.
Of course, we Sicilians are intensely proud of our heritage. But not everyone shares that sentiment. In fact, there are some, including native Italians, that feel that because Sicily is comprised of SO many cultures, there is no such thing as a REAL Sicilian. I have often heard the term mongrel applied when discussing my Sicilian lineage. There is sometimes even a racial component thrown in because of Sicily’s proximity to Africa. Sound familiar?
How absurd!
The VERY reason that Sicily and Sicilians have survived for over 3000 years, despite SO many trying to own it for themselves, IS the diversity of its people! We have managed to overcome every challenge by accepting the very best every culture has brought there by making it a part of our own. I mentioned the architecture. Well, how about the food? The Sicilian a.k.a. Mediterranean Diet has been hailed as not only among the world’s most delicious but praised for its health benefits too. Again, like the people themselves, it consists of a little bit of EVERYTHING. Sicilians are also noted for their longevity, often associated with that diet. And man, can we eat!
This, to me, is what is so tragic about what is happening in America today. We are losing our strength because we are losing our diversity and inclusion. DEI, as in DIVERSITY and INCLUSION, has literally been eliminated from the Nation’s vocabulary. Millions of hard-working people who contribute not only with their muscle but with their VERY culture are being swept up and sent away – the food, music, art, languages, and, yes, the values gone with them.
WHY?
These actions will not make America Great Again. They will have the opposite effect. Sicily and Sicilians survive(d) because they realize the key to a healthy, LASTING society is to not only accept the best that any culture has to offer but to embrace it. If we do, maybe will still be talking about America and Americans 3,000 years from now. If not, America will be seen as a bold and short-lived experiment. Let’s not let that happen. Embrace diversity!
Editor’s note: The views expressed in this article are those of this independent writer and not the Nyack News & Views editorial staff. We welcome submissions from anybody who is interested in publishing their thoughts, ideas and perspectives about issues facing our community, both large and small. Please send to info@nyacknewsandviews.com with detailed contact information.
Photo credit: Frank LoBuono