Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"My father grew up in the Bronx in the 1960s. He's a good dude, he's just old school Italian." — [Unnamed Participant 1]
"The unwritten rule for, you know, Japanese people, you know, how they're so polite to each other. It's because they used to just take out that sword and cut each other in half." — [Unnamed Participant 2]
"You know, that's a real thing. Families, if there's a disconnect, or there's a beef, or some sort of drama within the family, that you love. You could be-- it could be a brother, it could be a cousin, and you go, listen to me. If they are not permitted at my funeral, they're dead to me, and that is that shit." — [Unnamed Participant 3]
The conversation begins by exploring generational differences in attitudes, using an example of an "old school Italian" father's perspective on past societal changes. This leads into a discussion about tipping culture, contrasting perceived Italian generosity with other cultural norms, and the etiquette surrounding service industry interactions. The speakers debate the motivations behind tipping and the pressure to tip even when service might be considered subpar, referencing personal anecdotes.
A significant portion of the discussion shifts to the concept of respect and its origins within Italian culture, particularly in Southern Italian regions like Sicily and Calabria. The speakers touch upon historical perceptions of these regions as being associated with organized crime, contrasting them with Northern Italian cultural influences. This segues into a broader examination of cultural traditions, including the strictness of familial relationships and the concept of holding grudges, illustrated by anecdotes about funeral attendance and family feuds.
The dialogue further expands to encompass broader cultural comparisons, including observations about perceived differences between various ethnic groups and their interactions. The conversation touches on historical events such as World War II and its impact on various nationalities. It concludes with reflections on personal heritage, national identity, and the ways in which cultural backgrounds influence individual perspectives and societal integration, referencing specific instances like Scottish cultural traits and Canadian-American historical interactions.