The Shifting Hearts

             Maria after the death of Gino and the birth of her baby Gino, sitting outside on the veranda of her parents house nursing her baby Gino.
             (Quiet Voice) Oh why Gino? Why did they have to kill my baby brother? He never did anything wrong!! I just don't understand!! All because of his name, Gino Bianchi, filthy Dago name to the 'Aussies'!! He was just as Australian as they are. We have been here for 8 years.
             (Short Pause) If only Mama and Papa had adapted to the Australian culture as Gino and I had. (Disappointed Voice) But no, instead they let everyone walk all over them and call them ridiculous names like 'Mama Macaroni'! Not like Gino, no, he had to go every week to those dances. It was like he wanted to prove something. If only I knew what went on there!! But Gino was always so stubborn, he would never listen to anyone, he just did what he wanted! He just wanted to fit in! He wanted Italians to be accepted here!
             (Angry voice) If only my stupid husband Clarry could have accepted him for who he was. He wouldn't even introduce Gino as his brother-in-law, why was I stupid enough to think that Clarry would write Gino's name alongside his on his truck! (Mocking Voice) 'Gotta keep it local'. And now, he has named his baby Gino, but will he write that on the side of his truck? NO! The best that he can do is 'Fowler and Son'.
             (Exhausted voice) Clarry thought that Gino was too doted on; he said that I had to let Gino grow up and that I was too protective of him. I think maybe that Clarry may have been jealous of the attention that I gave Gino. I bought my family to this country for a better life, I wanted them to be happy! But no, no, instead this!
             (Soft Loving Voice) I only hope that this intolerance towards us Italians will not be held against you my baby Gino. (Stubborn Voice) But I refuse to give you some Australian name; you have Italian blood to be proud of!
             ...

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The Shifting Hearts. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 08:32, May 20, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/6666.html