'When You're in Rome, Do as the Romans Do': a Story about Hosts, Guests and ... Statues

   

                    

    During the past few days, we have all been mesmerized by a funny, yet cringe-worthy story which made the news headlines. The Italian Government decided to cover with panels all nude statues in Rome's Capitoline Museum, on the occasion of the official visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The reason was the (excessive, I'd say) concern not to offend the Iranian politician's values.

      Right. Apart from being, as I said above, an exaggerated diplomatic move, I wonder if really the Iranian President had asked for it. Somehow, I doubt it. Plus, we can assume that the man is cultured enough to know about art, to know what to expect in a European country, as much as not to feel offended. Plus, it's not like they were real naked people! :P Most probably, this decision came from a place of over-eagerness to please someone with a higher power. 

        It made me think of the famous proverb 'When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do'. And this time, it must be taken in its literal meaning. In general, when you visit another country, the tendency is to adapt to the laws and customs of the local population. It is good, as a host, to make your guests feel welcome, but without exaggerating, and without ending up losing, or even disrespecting your own national identity. 

           Where do you think boundaries should lie? Even us, mere mortals, can analyze this issue. :) Most of us have been 'guests' in other countries. More often than not, we gladly immersed ourselves in their cultures, or at least we've been curious enough to discover it thoroughly. If the stay was short, the discovery was like a game to be fully played for the entire period of time. If the stay was longer, from several months to a lifetime, adaptability was key in order to live there legally, and also to be socially integrated. Moreover, if that world did not resonate with us, we were less likely to remain. 

        As an immigrant and a traveller, I definitely came accross aspects which were totally uncompatible with my values, and I'm sure you did too. But from here to feeling offended, or taking it personally, and expecting those people to change (on a national level, evenutally) just to please you, it's a long way. 

                As a host, we should definitely offer an environment which is friendly and non-threatening to the guest, do whatever lies in our power to make integration easy, but without chopping away our own values. Our country is like our home, and if we cannot be ourselves in our home, then where?