Welcome to Britalian, a podcast that was born from the very unsettling experience of applying for settled status, also known as a badly planned way to manage the legal situation of the European citizens in Great Britain after Brexit. That’s quite a mouthful! I’ve been living in Britain for 6 years but at first my application was rejected.
It was an experience that made me sit down and consider if this is really the country I want to spend the rest of my life in. I thought about it. Short answer, yes.
So now what? I am an Italian repotted in British ground. British. Italian. Such far away identities. Should I keep them separate and feel constantly pulled between the two, or embrace the new one? Should I have a split personality?
But how do I reconcile my national identity with a new one? Do I need to feel British to fully integrate myself, or can I maintain my original identity? And will Britishness take over my identity, will they sit comfortably side by side, or will they blend together? Can I pick and mix what I like? And first and above all, what is Britishness?
Is it talking about the weather all the time?
Drinking tea?
Received Pronunciation?
Stiff upper lip?
Getting pissed on a Friday night?
This is starting to sound like a bunch of stereotypes
So here it is, a sort of diary to track my attempts at becoming more British and coming to term with my new home. An exploration into Britain beyond stereotypes, and a recount of the differences that make me stop and laugh.
Welcome to Britalian.
Cover art: Ramona Bruno @ramaflowers
Intro music: Karakurenai by Andy Akiho, additional music: The Toy Robot’s Mechanical Heart, by Christopher Adler, both played by Passepartout Duo @passepartoutduo
Transcript on britalianpodcast.com
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