How Are Sicilian People - Black In Sicily
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- Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
- I you want to know how are sicilian people particularly what my experience was like as a black in Sicily I recommend watching this video.
Racism is a topic that I touch on from time to time on this channel, since race is as American as apple pie. Race is such an integral part of American culture that I have to discuss it in relation to me owning property in Sicily. In fact in almost all my videos where I talk about relocating to a country, you will find comments where it is brought up.
In this video I am going to give you my experience as a black man living in Italy, talk about how I am treated, and if it is safe for people who look like me. I am going to share how I was received by the locals of a small town of just 11,000 people, where I am clearly an outsider.
This video may make some uncomfortable since it’s covering a very sensitive topic, however it is made for all people regardless of race and nationality to learn something about race dynamics, American culture, and how my family was brought to tears by how we were treated.
So how are sicilian people, they have been great and a pleasure to be around.
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I am a Belizean and I would love to buy a home in Italy. I lived in LA for almost 4 decades and repatriated to Belize in 2021. Big mistake…..I should have gone to Italy instead.
as Italian I think society IN GENERAL is rather classist... you would be treated differently if you are a rich black American or a poor black African migrant, because of the way the media portrait these two distinct groups is very different. Said that, welcoming or racist people are everywhere, racism has no borders
Racism has no borders like all isms. The reality is stupid people will always use something to make themselves feel better than others through denigrating rather than doing the necessary work to improve themselves.
It's easy to say that minority group over there is the problem rather than look in the mirror and take accountability for self and surroundings. Racists are lazy losers.
How about a rich Black African?
@@youarerightbut5066 my point is, it's a lot about status and manners, the closer u are to a certain culture, in this case western, the least problems u will have in integrating in the society. And as rich i mean, wealthy enough to be able to provide yourself for food, decent clothes and standard middleclass goods. Americans in my opinion are perceived as closer also because in italy we watch American shows ever since we were born, including tv shows like 'The Cosby Show'
I agree with Gaetano, Italy is really classist and very image conscious. My being Mexican-American was a non-issue for all the years I lived in Sicily and Veneto… now I’m in Switzerland and it’s still a non-issue. I count myself as lucky, but I’m aware that these peoples are not a monolith.
Northern Italians def don’t demonstrate the kind of warmth and affection as readily as Southern Italians do, but they also don’t bullshit you the way Sicilians will. I love my Sicilian husband and his family, but prejudice exists w/in the bounds of cultural context. I think it’s great that he’s had good experiences; just like I have.
However, I’ve been witness too and gotten into heated discussions about some Italian ppl’s broader views on say… Albanians, Romanians, African and Chinese ppl who’ve made Italy their home (both immigrants and citizens bc first generation kids get the same treatment.)It sounds close enough to the rhetoric directed at me n fellow BIPOC ppl when I lived in TX. The US is for sure more violent and that makes all the difference but still…
All this to say that individual experiences aren’t always reflected in the greater society, but prejudice is universal and worth examining whatever your stage and station, wherever you are.
No need to dwell on it or let the world break you. Keep your head, but also keep your eyes open. Challenge prejudice whenever you can. Thanks for your pov and much love to all. ❤
@@youarerightbut5066 they go great. Like rich arabs rich Russians ....Yes Italy is about money. But who on Earth isn't? Moreover , you can also find tons of people sincerely uninterested in what your skin tone or money is - until you respect people, rules, things and mind your business. Also I always suggest to learn Italian , even a bit, because this helps a lot. Sadly criminality from Africa (black axe/Nigerian Mafia and North Africans narcos may create suspicion but if you are a quiet , wealthy , decent person you will just enjoy life.
I'm an Afro Cuban Afro Puerto Rican from the Bronx. I went to school in Rome married my husband and stayed in Rome. I will say during the rise of the Right Wing in Italy racism has been on the rise. I've lived here for almost 15 yrs and I have seen the changes. I had a very bad experience, attacked when I was pregnant with my daughter and my husband and I moved to Spain for a year. Sicily is much better. My husband is Sicilian and we spend every summer in Sicily with our extended family. We bought a sweet little summer house by the sea. I feel that Sicilians in particular are more welcoming and are warmer than in Rome and in the North. The culture is very similar to my Afro Latin culture. The love of family, good food, ancient spirituality is all very similar to my Afro Latin culture. FYI my Sicilian Roman husband and I recently bought a piece of land in Ghana too😂 My kids are not raised with the American idea of race. They think more about their culture, my rich Afro Cuban culture and their rich Sicilian culture. They are to be proud Afro Latin, Sicilian babies.
Thanks for following up to add context to your earlier statements. Glad you like Sicily
Your comment gives me life ❤
I love it it Sicilians are the best
Of course southern Italy very warm hearted because they mix with that African Morocco blood (black)
So what? There's nothing wrong with American culture...you got attacked while you were pregnant....that didn't happen in America
I am an artist and when I saw Johnny's painting I had tears in my eyes. Good for you for putting this video on youtube. I so know that we all do belong to each other! We are all one heartbeat, one breath, one incredible song! Sending you so much Kindness and Appreciation, Laara and by the way I LOVE ITALY!
Thank you
I traveled to Italy about 15 years ago and as a single Black woman I loved it. I loved the people, the food and yes I was pursued and asked on dates (which I went on). Italian men were fabulous for my ego 😃 But seriously Italy and the Italian people there are awesome!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Where in Italy did you go?
Where in Italy?
I was in Italy in the late 90s and had a ball there...despite Italy's reputation for being one of the most racist countries in Europe,I still had a wonderful time there and stayed on for a full 6 months, I was in Trento in the North part of the country small village called Roverreto...Most Italians I met were genuinely good people very easy going and easy to talk to and very friendly...I would not mind visiting again someday.
Where in Italy was this that you traveled too, curious minds want to know.
You should move there!
I am African/Muslim and was raised in Sicily/Trapani ( I speak Italian and Sicilian). It's truly a special place and I still consider it my home after having lived in Canada for 15 yrs. Like you said, people in Sicily judge you for who you are and not what you look like. I'll be honest, Sicilian people are the warmest and most sincerer people in Italy......thank you for the video
Thank you for sharing your experience
Se sei cresciuto qui, sei siciliano anche tu. Ricordati che tutti i siciliani hanno avuto antenati che sono arrivati da ogni parte del Mediterraneano, la Sicilia è stata conquista da tanti popoli diversi e tutti noi siamo i discendenti di diversi popoli. Questa terra appartiene alla gente che ci è cresciuta, tu incluso. Sarà sempre casa tua. Un abbraccio ❤
What do they say behind your back?
@@romandarius6041 You seem like a miserable person
@@AlbertManiscalco You Blacks love, and I do mean LOVE to live in white countries, why is that?
Bruh, I lived in Northern Italy (Maron di Brugnera) for 4 years. Once I began speaking Italian after my first 6 months there, I was showed nothing but love. I was not in expat bubble either. My landlord spoke zero English and she had an adult son my same age. He used to take me out with his friend group and teach me Italian curse words. I traveled to Trieste, Udine, Padua, Pisa, Venezia....all over basically. Much love shown to me every single day. Simply warm people man. The US has traumatized folks with so much racism. I hate to say it but America is obsessed with race for some strange reason. When I travel abroad...I am known as the American guy. So refreshing!
Yes. The US is obsessed with race. Sure, we have our history and certainly darker skinned have been treated like crap. But, it’s gotten crazy.
Traumatized is the right way to put it. Sadly America and its racism comes from northern Europe and its racism and prejudice against anyone from southern Europe, Africa, or Asia (or really anyone with less technological development). Anyone with melanin in their skin is inferior in their eyes. This is colonizer superiority complex. The geography of Europe allowed it to advance more rapidly and so it’s easy for Europeans to see themselves as above anybody else with darker skin however whether others subscribe to their prejudice is up to them. Sadly many non-northern Europeans subscribe to their bullshit racial hierarchy schemes. These people need to decolonize their minds and restore their self-esteem because we are all one family and we are all each other’s ancestors and Kin. To believe otherwise is a form of mental and social retardation in the true sense of the word.
❤ Exactly I was shown love when I lived there in Gaeta. Small instances but I got so many hugs.
Exactly you were known as the American guy, that's why, Everything that is shiny it's not always gold, racism it's totally different from Us racism, but it's still very hurtful also because is hidden and sneaky.
Italians have good heart, even if some people could be racist but this is a case anywhere we are the world some people are like that. But I feel people always try to show that Italy is a racist country but this is totally a stereotype against Italians. Italy is a great country and Italians are wonderful people!!!
I was born in Sicily (a town outside of Palermo) I can tell you that for a fact that if you comport yourself with good manners, you will be loved and invited in their homes and treated like family. We are warm and inviting people. The ones that get treated badly are the ones that behave badly. Do good, get treated good. Do bad, get treated bad.
Agreed
@@Karl__Pierre Why are you living my continent?
@1stupormundi
That's Bull Sh@t, Racist don't care if you're polite or not, they will attack black people regardless if they are smiling or not.
I was also born in Sicily , in Citta’ Palermo ( la Vucciria ) and you are absolutely correct ! In my opinion the Sicilian people are the warmest and most loving people you will find any ware . Be honest and respectful with them and they will recripecate in kind !
@@pasqualeventura945 Sub-Saharan gorillas.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR LIFE IN ITALY WITH US. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST HEARTFELT STORIES I HAVE HEARD IN A LONG TIME.
AND THE STORY YOU SHARED WITH US ABOUT GIANNI BROUGHT ME TO TEARS BECAUSE HE IS WHAT HUMANITY REALLY MEANS.
Thank you!
As an Italian American, I am so happy to hear that you experienced Italian warmth.
Thank you!
Keep Italy for the Italians
@@romandarius6041 and what exactly is an Italian?
@@romandarius6041 italy has always been a multicultural place. learn your history
@@AlbertManiscalco yes bro. I am sicilianu. This is my ethnicity and blood. But Italian is a nationality and citizenship. People can move to sicilia. Doesn’t make them sicilian, but being the Italian citizen makes u Italian
My husband and me just came from our third holiday in Sicily and I can only attest to what you're saying in a video. It's the extremly rich history of Sicily that so many different folks left their footprints in this part of Italy that no one is an outsider anymore. This year we checked into the hotel and first thing the owner invited us to their kitchen and offered us coffee and biscuits and introduced us to their place. That's why we're coming back year after year.
Thanks for sharing your story. Sicily is wonderful I'll continue to visit for years to come as well.
As an Italian American New Yorker (in the process of getting my Italian citizenship by decent) I just loved this, thank you for sharing your experience.
Hopefully it all goes well
Same as you but can’t get citizenship because my grandmother was a woman. Seriously. 😢 but great video. Americans can be really stupid. It does look to me like the Us has the worst racism.
Christine, I want citizenship by decent also because my grandparents are from there. How do I start the process ?
For anyone interested in Italian citizenship by decent, there are a lot of UA-cam’s about the process. There are key years that are important to keep in mind, I.e the year your Italian ancestor became naturalized in relation to the year their child was born. Many factors but if it’s the female line it is still possible. I suggest doing a search on UA-cam.
there si nothing like "Italian" American..you are American .
I’m so proud of my country and people and this video makes me even prouder, God Bless you ❤
Thanks Carmela
@@Karl__Pierre my pleasure, enjoy Sicily
What a wonderful, heart-warming video, Karl! I'm so happy that you and your family were received with such positivity and open-mindedness.
Thank you. Truth is this is usually the case when traveling...i find that people genuinely want to help.
@@Karl__Pierre I have similar experiences. The warmth and kindness of Sicilian people is just wonderful 😊
This was brilliant, important, and beautifully done. Thank you!
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
Thank you for making this video! The content is so helpful on so many levels. My husband is African American and he is pretty sensitive about how people would treat him if we were to visit or relocate to certain country or city. Your video will definitely be helpful to him. I love how you are so comfortable to be you and is adventurous to explore life and to relocate freely despite the conditioned mindset from living in the US. I also love how you are able to put your bias aside and share honest assesment of people in Sicily. The door art story is so touching. Despite the unfortunate reality in the US and what is being shown in the media, not everyone from everywhere is racist. It is equally important to share beautiful stories and experiences like this so people can balance their perspectives. I also think you and your family send out positive loving energy to people and that's what they are reflecting back. Thank you for being so inspirational. I am subscribing to your channel after watching this video!
Thank you for the kind words and yes this is meant to help manage that anxiety. I hope your husband appreciates it.
@@Karl__PierreI'm sure if she comes with her husband they will be more than welcomed. Greetings from a Brazilian Italian living in Italy 😊
@@Laura-zq5xd ciao e bemvindo rsrs
@@Karl__Pierre Ciao anche a te. I truly hope you'll come again to Italy and the lady of the comment with her family too. You know, here racism exists like everywhere. It just depends on the individuals. Then now it's more "war between poors" because of the government which is pro-fascist, and it's bringing down all the country. But as i said, if you meet the more free and open-minded people, they'll treat you like a friend or even like one of their relatives. Congrats for the video. Blessings to y'all
Beautiful. To think that this is exactly how society can be. Touched me to the absolute core. Much love from a Sicilian-Norwegian! ❤
Thank you! I appreciate it. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
@@Karl__Pierre Happy holidays!! ♥️
@@mattygeno same to you
Honest, endearing, heartwarming.
Thank you for your openness and clarity.
Thanks for watching and the kind words
Thank you for sharing. This was a wonderful video. The story of Gianni and the door image of you and your child moved me. So beautiful 🙏
You are so welcome!
I cried and had chills when you told the two stories. I am so happy you have found Italy to be a wonderful place for you and your family. I live in a really small rural village in Abruzzo, Italy. When I first came here, I had no idea what to expect from people. But to my happy surprise, I found a village of diverse, warm, welcoming Italians. Our town has only 2700 people and out of that there are perhaps 4 mixed race families living here permanently. They were accepted as good people by the people who live here. They are not seen as a negative. They have married italian women, have children, live lives and work along with everyone else who lives here. They are invited to family dinners, said Buongiorno to when entering a bar or cafe. It is so different from what I had seen as an observer in America and you are so right about American Racism. It is a whole other animal within itself. But I am so happy you do not feel like people are eyeing you thinking your are dangerous or less valuable to others. I hoped in my lifetime I would live someplace where I could see this happen. I might cry again. Just know, you would be so welcome if you ever came to our village. You might even hear another version of Italian. But you would be hugged and kissed by everyone who greeted you. I'm really glad your story is a good one. I know your children will grow in a nurturing place you have found and purchased a home. Thank you for sharing this video. It really made my heart swell. Bravo. Molto Grazie. Katie
Thank you for the kind words. We haven't relocated we spend our summers there. Still deciding where to raise our children
This was such a great positive video, contrasted to what has been going on in the states. Thank you for the uplifting story💝
Thank you for the feedback. I think the media plays a huge role in shaping this narrative. Most Americans are nice people too, but when it's constantly on display on TV and social media it can make it feel more common than it is. It's too much of a part of our culture and I don't like it and don't want my kids growing up in the states shaped by that. No way.
👍💙
Very well explained! As a black American living all over Europe, seeking my forever home, I have always been asked this question about racism and I try to explain to them that Racism comes from a different context than racism in America. I am always asked to take pictures with the locals if I am in a Country where people of color are rarely seen or even "black Americans" are rarely seen in person. I have had the best experience slow traveling in Europe. Currently I am in Batumi, Georgia(the country) and probably the first black American that some Georgians has met, but I have been nothing but Welcomed! I love your story, Thanks for sharing. :)
Thanks for sharing as well. Also they don't view you as black American on the same context. They view you first as an American and have seen others like you on TV in music and sports so their intrigued yet don't know the stupid nuance of American race dynamics. It comes from a place of interest of overall American culture.
@@Karl__Pierre Exactly! This is true. We are first seen as Americans and then they become more connected to us through our culture... music, movies etc. I think many black Americans are traumatized by the things that we have to endure from the racial inequalities, as well as the untruths that are told to Americans through news media, and feel other countries will view us with same negative narrative that America has given us for the most part. But it will take moving out of your fears and comfort zone and seeing other parts of the World for themselves. I am looking into buying within the next few months the Italian property you have been so successful promoting. I am currently in Warsaw Poland and I will email you my questions regarding the 1 Euro Property. Thanks again for your amazing content. :)
@@teenatravelsabroad thank you for sharing!
@@Karl__Pierre You're very Welcome!
They probably think you're a movie star
I love your channel bro! Thank you for taking time to address this!
I appreciate that!
I loved the story about the painting. Wonderful storytelling, thank you 😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks so much for making this. It warms my heart to know your family was welcomed in such a way. My dream is to retire to Italy. This makes me want to go there so much more. :)
Thank you for your kind words. What is it about Italy that first intrigued you!?
@@Karl__Pierre What first intrigued me was the all the beauty and rich history everywhere you look there. I Love how people take time to enjoy life and the way communities are so warm to new people.
My Wife and I are planning on looking at Lake Como and Sicily/Calabria.
I'm so moved by your story and your kindness! Thanks you for this amazing heart felt video! I'm a Canadain and I've been thinking about going to Sicily for 2 years. The kindness that your town has shown is amazing it its a reminder that there is more LOVE and KINDNESS in the world than just hate. I was very emotional watching your video as I know what it's like to create videos and be vulnerable to the world and their comments. I hope to one day come and see this amazing town and hopeful we could all got for a coffee. Thanks again for this.
Sure thing and thanks for the.kind words. Gonna check out your channel!
Love your story about the painting on the door. Awesome!
Okay, I'm in tears over the painting. That is so beautiful!
It really was
Thank you for sharing your experience 💗
Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed it.
I've been living in Sicily almost two decades and come from another west European country. Sicily has been dominated by all kinds of populations during the history and they are very curious about foreigners. They usually treat foreigners better than their own people, but here also eyes open as it is not the easiest place to live in. All countries has their issues, but lesson of travelling so much in the world I've learned that Europe over all is a special place. 🧡 There is no perfect country. The perfect place is where your heart is at peace and soul feels relaxed.
indeed thanks for sharing
You just said it all, it’s where your heart is and you feel content !
Thank you for sharing Mr. Pierre! I wish you and your family continued blessings.
Same to you!
Beautiful video bro 😎 Loved the story about the painting!
Thank you so much 😀
THANK YOU!! I lived in Sicily for three years and loved it. My experience was very similar to your experience especially the part about them taking your kids and playing them. When my wife and I landed at the airport in Catania she came running to me and said they took Jamel, our son, I just smiled and said, they' ll bring him back ... Your video brought back many good memories for me. I lived on the beach and in the town of Motta near Catania. Yes, I'm a Black man and my son had a huge afro during that time. Thanks again.
Yeah it's a thing the way it is here.
Thanks for sharing
Riveting, absolutely riveting. I didn't plan on watching this entire video, but your viewpoints and how you expressed them had me.
Blessings to you and your family.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for posting your experience😍
I love this so much! Grazie ! This made my heart so happy!!
In 50 years I have never heard as much talk about racism as I have the last 2 years. It seems like we have stepped into a different reality.
Yup people are in a cycle of offending and being offended over nonsensical things to also justify their own inefficiency. This is on both ends of the racism spectrum, the victim and victimizer
America is probably the most diverse culture in the world. Being Diverse we are different. I thought here in America we've gotten past racial differences back in the 60's, but now it's coming back. I truly believe that the leftists in our country probably employed by the Chinese are exploiting our differences so as to create friction and weaken our society. We're being divided by race, ethnicity, religion, even gender. Our strength is our unity in spite of our differences.
I'm a child of segregation.. I've never seen so much racism in America 🇺🇸 in decades. 🙏 ♥
Yes and mostly from black Americans honestly
@@cafecitotime1414 that’s why I want to leave the East Coast
Thank you so much for helping me not be so negative/despondent/sad/angry about my species.
Lol you're welcome
Awesome! Thank you for sharing such a great story while giving us insight into the culture of that area of Italy. Heart warming. 💕
Awesome story bro!! Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
Wonderful story, I found myself becoming emotional; it was so well presented. My experience in Italy was much the same -- I'll even say I forgot about being Black during my stay. And oddly enough, I had similar experiences in Japan. Travel is the best educator.
Well put. I think it's hard for people who are not black from America to understand that feeling. That's why I used examples of other marginalized groups. The reality is there is no reason for blacks to hold on to this bs we are taught in our society and the only way to unlearn it is to have many many experiences that are counter to it, just as you and I have. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
For every video that you say now nice we Italians are, there is another video that says we Italians are the most racist people on the planet. You need to learn to be around your own kind
@@Karl__Pierre The Kingdom of God is a better teacher than travel. It allows a person to remove themselves from their own acute angle on the earth, and place themselves in the other person reality. It opens a way, no matter if the person is from wealth & means or poverty, the power is there and thats one good way to tell when you are dealing with the truth, nothing from man is needed, but you already, in real time, have what you need to access it. When evil abounds, outcomes happen like what ppl are exposed to, being raised in the states. The Gospel is the best method to deconstruct trauma and build whats solid and true. As much as I would love for everyone to get around, many are caught in the machine in the states. I haven’t even traveled, but I desire to, but I have the broadest horizons concerning people, due to the Gospel. Ill travel some day and im glad that Ill already be internally prepared when it happens! I pray that more will do the same and take The Gospel seriously, its great for making not just citizens of Heaven, but world class citizens where there is no law in any land against such individuals!
I just breathed a sigh of relief when I travel to Italy or Sicily coz I just a human being there!
@@aleta2660Why you shouldn't have felt like a human being? That's exactly what you are. Maybe you feel so because of the USA society you're used to.
Thank you for sharing this. My husband and I are looking to move to Italy but this was definitely a concern. God bless you and your beautiful family!
Thank you! Which city are you guys thinking of?
Hope it works out !!! Fun!
Beautiful!! Thank you for making this video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I love your msg. Your communication is as clear as fresh spring water. Blessings to you and your family during your adventures
Thank you so much!
I really enjoyed listening to your experience and it warmed my heart. I'm just about to take my first trip abroad for the first time and somewhat apprehensive. You're right about our experience being a black person in America . It affects our ability to just be. So we carry that within us.. I'm ready to see this planet and experience it as just a human.Thanks for sharing and wishing you and your family only joy.
You made me cry tears of joy. As a product of the American South, I experienced so much hatred and fear. The old folks said " oh child don't go there cuz they hate black folks". They based their opinions on what they had experienced especially in the Jim Crow era. Based upon their fears and warnings we did not travel abroad and when we did, we were overly sensitive. If someone stared or looked at us a little too long, we assumed that they hated us. I appreciate your UA-cam explanation and IIbelieve you have done a great service for those of who have the means to travel but where avoiding it because of fear. The media is quick to report all of the bad things that happen thru out the world. You, my friend have certified that there are good things that happen too. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing your story and for the kind words.
Great video. New subscriber here. We did a week long tour of Sicily and just upon hearing the history (basically conquered, reconquered, and rereconquered by everyone, I’m not surprised that they’re more open to letting race not be a determining factor of your destiny. Our country really needs to get over this. Cheers!
Have you seen crime statistics in the US? Nobody cares about the past. It's the present that's troublesome.
A beautifully informative delivery of an important topic. Nicely presented! I hope more people watch this video.😊
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for doing this video ❤
Thanks for the feedback
I’ve traveled to Italy and I totally agree with what you’re saying. we were treated very well there. we’re thinking of moving to Italy and I was a little concerned about this just from seeing all the comments on a number of videos about Italy. I really appreciate you put story and context into this video. It very well thought out. Thank you so much for this video!!!
Italians and black people always were enemies, not racism PRIDE!
Watch Tia Taylor. She moved from Connecticut to Milan. She is on here.
Shemi,
do you really believe we Italians don't want to be around our own kind?
They only got problems with blacks from poor countries eg African migrants, but I think black Americans are safe there.
Moving from Africa?
I really enjoyed your video. I moved to northern Italy from the US about 4 years ago and I initially had the same reservations. I was assured by my friend that my experience would not be bad. Turns out that he was exactly right,-especially when people found out that I was American. I even live in a part of Italy where they are not know for being as welcoming as folks in Southern Italy. My neighbors are super friendly. I, like you, have been invited over by my neighbors and they all look out after me. Basically the rule is true: “Be friendly and see and treat people as individuals”.
Basically. The biggest driver of racism there like all countries is immigration
Thanks for sharing your experience, insights and such a touching story!
Thank you for this content. I like your careful approach and the positivity of your overall content having understood so much, following your approach.
I appreciate that!
@@Karl__Pierre Cool : )
Thank you for sharing this, nowadays all we hear about is hate and racism. It's really nice once in a while to hear such heartwarming stories like yours. Cheers from a fellow Italian!
Thank you!
xDeamon, what is wrong with Italians protecting their borders? If you are really Italian, you should back the Italians up. Have you seen the Nigerian Soccer Team----100 Percent Black. There are No cries for diversity or inclusion.
I Stumbled open the video because to me the title was interesting and I was surprised to hear that more Americans gave flack rather than the Italian people who were more interested in getting to know you and your family all I can say it’s helpful in so many ways for you sharing your thoughts and experience’s May you and your Family Celebrate many more Blessings in your Journey’s.
Yup just read the comments to the video and see who continues to tell me about what I'm saying is false...even though I lived it.
Amazing vid as always.
I like your personality plus the way you address your ideas
Thanks for the feedback
Beautiful story. You are so calming to listen to. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is really cool! I'm happy to hear that you're having positive experiences. My grandparents are from Sicily and I'm really considering leaving the U.S.A. and moving there.
Have you visited before?
@@Karl__Pierre No, not yet - I can't wait to visit!
I don't know how old you are, but it would be a good idea to visit first. Sometimes, cultural shocks are too harsh to bear. They are nothing like America, nor America is like them. So be prepared, acclimate first.
Move as quickly as you can, this place is falling apart ! I am also Sicilian by birth !
During my time in Italy and other places one of the biggest factors was the ability to communicate in their language. I noticed that even just trying to speak the language opened so many doors from a warm smile to free drinks and conversation. There seems to be a curiosity there that only grows when you meet them where they are and language is the starting point. I won’t sit and act like I didn’t stick out but it wasn’t the defining experience that I had at least.
Indeed
i LOVED this Karl awesome!!
Thank you
Ty so much for this! I'm considering moving to sicily with my family and have been trying to do some extensive research. So happy I cane across this video!
The story of the painting of you and your daughter was so moving. What a cherished memory you have of that little town. You are certainly blessed.
Thank you so much!
Kimberly, since the 1960's, Africans have been pushing out the whites. Please knock it off.
This documentary is so well done. Thank you for being you and reporting your life experiences.❤️ I am an Italian American old lady and I grew up with Italian only speaking grandparents and we owned a restaurant in Chicago in a very segregated neighborhood. We had a lot of black customers and friends! We were the exception in our area, but people were safe in my families home And restaurant and that was beautiful and wonderful. I was taught not to ever be prejudiced based on race or skin color or religion. My grandparents were old world Italians, just like the ones in your town in Italy. They were loving and accepting of everybody.
And thank you for sharing your experiences and life story here.
Awesome information. Thanks 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you, everyone needs to hear about your experience ❤. That’s so beautiful ❤️. Lots of love to you from 🇦🇺
❤️
Thank you so much!
as someone who has been judged his entire life, you give me hope. im not interested in buying a home in italy, but i am interested in stepping out of my comfort zone .
You certainly should...that's where growth happens...look at what happens when you leave a plant in a small pot...
@@Karl__Pierre thank you man
I have never consider how whites view me - I know some are racist so I am mindful about how I interact/ignore them. I go where I want when I want. I don't get this nervousness some black americans internalized though I would feel nervous if the KKK where about. You go and enjoy the world - racist are stupid and insecure people so don't carry the weight of someone else's sin.
Love this clip!
Italy is a dream destination for me.
I have heard so many others share awful experiences about being a black tourist in Italy. This gives me hope.
I never had 1 bad experience in Nothern or southern Italy. I've never been to Rome but I'm guessing it's more of an issue with immigration than it is pure racism. You can't concern yourself with other people's stupidity.
Thrilled to find your channel. Thanks for the information.
Thanks for watching!
@Karl Pierre - This is the first I’ve found you on UA-cam. Thanks for making this video. It’s very insightful and well done. Continued blessings to you and your family. 🙏🏾
"I personally found pride in our ancestral home, Mussomeli Sicily. As I forwarded this to dozens of friends and family and introducing Karl to them.
Please listen to this gentleman and the narrative of how he found the people of Mussomeli, Sicily.
His video is titled; "Black in Sicily"
Besides his level of intelligence, he projects an open minded human perspective that is so refreshing. I would be proud to know Karl in person.
Maybe one day - if we travel to back to Europe again, we will meet him.
I hope you will enjoy the dept of this enlightening video.
N.
Wow thank you for that. Mussomeli is indeed a beautiful place with warm hearted people. Totally feel welcomed by the community.
I lived in Sicily for 3 years. When I first arrived, it was a bit awkward for me. But, I always travel with an open mind. Once I learned how to communicate...or at least try I was received with open arms. People were inviting me to lunch, helping me with the language, and greeting me with that heartfelt hug that Italians are really great at giving. I absolutely loved Italy and Sicily. I was usually greeted with a smile or nod. But then again I always had a positive outlook and expression. Walk into a room or business with a greeting, always say please and thank you. This goes a long way there. Were there some people who were ignorant? Yes, as with any city and in any country. Italians appreciate the effort of you trying to fit in and communicate. Staying out of the "expat bubble" as one of you said. Italians speak their mind and truth be told Northern Italians and Southern Italians talk trash about each other. I used to laugh at my boss who is Sicilian and how he would carry on with there were some Northerners staying at our facility. He would hide the espresso machine from them. LOL...Now, with that being said, I was treated differently as a Black American as opposed to Africans and refugees there. I witnessed firsthand how bad that can be.
Yes because it is different immigrants regardless of color they unfortunately get treated that way when it happens in mass. When it's a different color/race it's more obvious to see.
Today I was mistaken for a refugee. Someone kept asking me whether I just arrived by boat.
@@ealing26 in English, in Italian? Provide some context.
@@Karl__Pierre in Italian. I understood because he kept pointing at the sea and the abandoned boat. I was in a such a great spirit before this incident. 😔
@Aj Aj and did you see alot of African immigrants in Palermo? The reality is that is what's happening and if you spoke to the same guy and he realized you were an American he would have bought you a drink. The issue there is immigration more so than racism.
Wow Karl, this video was so beautifully done. Such a lovely way of looking at things.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have similar stories from my time in Northern Italy. I always felt incredibly welcome, to include invites to share Christmas with multiple families. I'll be heading back that way in about 8 months, and I can't wait.
Awesome thanks for sharing, which city in the North?
@@Karl__Pierre I was in Vittorio Veneto for a year '94-95, and right down the road in Pordenone for 8 months in 97/98. That was all for work, but this March I head to SE Asia for nine or so months, then slow drag up the west coast of Africa to Greece and eventually I'll make my way to Italy for a few months. I said I'd be there in 8 months, but clearly,
It's more like 12-15 months.
This is a great video and fantastic news for me as a second generation Sicilian American to learn that where my grandparents came from are people that are warm and smart in the most important way. It's important for me to be centered from a place of love. I'm so glad to know this is passed down from my genes! And I can't wait to buy a home in Calabria soon! Thank you for these important and fantastic videos.
I was in Calabria as well with @supersavvytravler and will feature the town she is in.
Thank you soo much for sharing your world. I love it!
Glad you enjoy it!
Beautiful video and articulation of your experience. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching
I have been living in Sicily with my family for the last five years. I found this video so emotional. Italians, especially Sicilians, are an amazing and warm people and I am so happy to hear your experience here.
Amazing. What brought you there? Which city?
@@Karl__Pierre family, a little town outside center near the sea less than 3000 residents , Love it
@@Karl__Pierre , why not try living in Africa with your own kind?
Thanks for sharing your perspective on Italy as a Black American. I currently live in Valencia, Spain and it’s been a struggle for me as a Black American (also from NY) to understand this “curiosity” you speak of (I’ve heard the same here) to me looking “different”, especially since there are Africans in my city. These long stares Spaniards give are so offensive that all my NY just comes out. I’ve gotten better at not reacting vocally to just starring back in the same manner as they do.
Anyways, I just started talking (again) about buying those cheaper euro homes in Italy since the world has opened up again. Keep the content coming it’s very helpful!
Haha that's really interesting because I was just in Valencia and my wife and I have been thinking about moving there. The long stares I find are normal there like holding a gaze isn't as big of a deal as it is in NY as someone would find it offensive or threatening just to acknowledge their existence in the NYC matrix.
I actually take my time to hold a stare longer on people in the USA to see them get uncomfortable. So when they do respond with what are you looking at I can tell them something positive like...I like your shirt it complements you well.
Leave NY mindset where it belongs...with the rats in the subway lol
Curios, I lived in both countries. I arrived from Angola to do my studies in Italy. I spent there 10 years, when I mastered the language to a perfect level I was “one of them”. When I went to Spain, I felt less racism... At the time I spoke Spanish fluently. Even if Italy's home for me, in my experience is way way more racist than Spain. However, experiences are always a mix of things, in my opinion, it is better to enjoy the moment and enjoy the culture of the place. Wherever you go, it will be easier if you live according to the rules of the place and most importantly if you learn the language! As the saying goes: “Tutto il condo è paese...”!
Yeah, Spain was intense. Lot of rudeness toward me. Made me realize how lucky I was to be an American where people wouldn’t dream of doing that unless they were prepared to fight.
im surprise to hear that Spanish people are rude, you must have done something wrong 100%, spanish people are the most welcoming people in the entire world, im black and i have also spanish root, spanish people they like to joke about the way you look, its cultural, so if they stare at you its probably not because you are black but more because of your hairstyle or the way you dress, i did the entire spain from south to nord, east and west, i have been to the most isolated villages you can imagine in the middle of nowhere in the desert, most welcoming people in the world hands down, you feel home everywhere you go, everybody say hello to you, easiest country to make new friends, and probably the most mixed culture with plenty of people from south america, africa, asian living there, but spanish people are probably the most proud and traditional in a way that they like to be respected, they like good education, etc but if there is a country in the entire world i would recommand to a black guy to live, it would be spain for sure
@@MizJilly Mediterranean ppl STARE, it's cultural. Latin Americans too. The US has an Anglo-Saxon culture that teaches you that staring is rude. Not so in the rest of Europe or the world.
Wow, loved this video! We need more people to dispel stereotypes about different cultures. Hopefully your videos will make people willing to step out of their comfort zones and do more exploring myself included! TFS!
I hope so too!
Beautiful story ! -painting the two of you !
Thank you so much!
Oh wow…great and wonderful experiences….thanks for sharing a wonderful video…your girls are beautiful
Thank you Anita.
I love Italy, its culture, food, music, people and architecture. I hope to learn to speak Italian, travel and spend time in Italy.
Wow this video is so warm♥️ I have always wanted to visit Italy. Perhaps even more so now. Blessings to you and your beautiful family.
Thank you! You too!
Your video was so well done I’m glad u had a good time in Italy keep on living life it’s the best feeling in life
I’m so happy to hear this experience. Thank you for sharing. This race topic is just not a thing for us Italians. Yes, unfortunately there’s always some ignorant person somewhere and from what I observed, this ignorance may be found in the north eastern part of Italy and for some reason Rome - I am generalizing for sure because it is such not a thing. I hope more Americans try relocating in our beautiful country. I live in Viterbo, a very beautiful historic town, and recently a few Americans have purchased homes in the historic center and it makes many of us very excited and eager to get to make new friends. ❤
Thanks for sharing.
Racism will exist everywhere. And if not race, then it will be ethnic and culturism. It's just easier to identify someone by color when they are a different raise.
Interesting…glad to hear your point of view.
Thank you
Thank you for such a thoughtful, intelligent and honest video.
You are so welcome!
Thanks for sharing Brother. Enjoy your awesome family. Well done!
Sicily is a magical place… for many reasons but mostly the people. I traveled alone to Italy and barely could speak a word of Italian but I was invited over to so many homes because the people wanted to share their language, food, and culture with me and also hear about who I was. Fast forward years later, my husband who is Indian & Nigerian traveled with me and our two biracial kids. My husband was treated so well there. And he loved it. He didn’t want to go back to US! Italians have some of the best banter I’ve ever encountered. They want to make you feel happy and welcomed. I’ve never encountered that in the US and I’ve lived coast to coast. Your videos are fantastic so glad I found your channel!
Glad you have had the same experience!
I don't even think I have words to express how I feel about the time we spent there. I loved everything, the people, the food, the town. I miss it everyday.
Yeah I find myself thinking the same quite often.
Thank you for this video!
You are so welcome!
I wanna thank you for this wonderful enlighten talks.
Cleiton from Brazil.
I’m so impressed with the way you presented this. It warmed my heart. I’m an immigrant in the US and I’m black, and like you I do not think about color first. It made my life easier because it helps me deal with people with minimal bias. Racism is real but I refuse to carry a stigma
Thank you!
You’re getting me so motivated to visit Sicily!! It’s my dream bucket list trip. Any particular places you advise for staying?
Depends on how much time and budget. For me two must go places are Castellammare del Golfo and Syracuse. Also for city vibes Palermo and Catania. Visit the volcano. There's alot to see and do. All depends on you. Best beach will be at San Vito Lo Capo
What a beautiful story ❤
Thank you for sharing this.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing!
I am thinking of buying a vacation townhouse in Italy but was a bit concerned about the black race issue. Being from the Caribbean, Jamaica, racism was not a major issue at home but since migrating to US I have to deal with it on a weekly basis. So I'm glad to hear about your experience in Sicily, Italy. Thank you!
That's because race is as American as Apple pie...don't worry about that in Sicily.
As an Italian American White, I deal with racism here in the USA everyday from Black Americans….let’s get it right, racism is awful toward White Americans from Blacks ITS AWFUL!
@@interrupted9671 agreed racism is a disgusting part of American culture regardless of the color of the perp
Thank you for sharing your story ❤ I'm an American, now living in Portugal 🇵🇹... I'm single, different than having a partner, especially since Southern Europe is family oriented... Racism is global... I'm not bothered by it and can't wait to visit Sicily 😊 Glad it's going well for you 😊
Thank you. How is Portugal. What city are you in pros and cons?
Hey... I'm in Cascais... along the coast 35 - 40 minutes West of Lisbon...
Pros... perfect weather, small country, on the Atlantic, arts, culture and public transportation... Con... it's getting crowded 😩
I love this….I found the people of Italy to be lovely.
instant subscribe ! im doing research in preparation to buy in italy . your videos are really well explained.
Awesome thanks for the feeback and Subcription
Absolutely thanks for the good information. I can’t afford a house in the USA in a good environment so Italy makes sense
I truly appreciate this thoughtful narrative about your experience living in Sicily. I believe in traveling abroad and opening oneself to opportunities for international, social exchange.
Thanks
In Italy you see so many cultures beautiful people. They welcome you into their homes and show you such grace
Thanks been my experience