Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
un nonno Pugliese'
(Every true Milanese has a Pugliese grandparent). For many of these
domestic migrants, the welcome north of Rome was anything but warm. Disparagingly
nicknamed
terroni
(peasants), many faced discrimination on a daily basis, from everyone
from landlords to baristas. While such overt discrimination is now practically nonexistent,
historical prejudices linger. Many northerners resent their taxes being used to 'subsidise'
the 'lazy', 'corrupt' south - a sentiment well exploited by the right-wing, Milan-based
Lega Nord (Northern League) party.
Yet negative attitudes can work both ways. Many southerners view their northern com-
patriots as just a little
freddi
(cold) and uptight. As Raffaella, a 30-something employee at
Lecce University, comments: 'Many friends of mine are desperate to return after a few
years spent in northern Italy or abroad. They find life too isolated and anonymous. People
don't know their neighbours.' Her friend, Deborah, a business consultant, agrees: 'People
who live in the south are different from those living in the north. Here, family and friends
are important; more important than work.'
