By Kaija Spencer
From culture to culture, we have different expectations of what a woman should be. Many of us imagine our mothers, sisters, dearest friends, or our teachers and professors when we think of women.
Our mothers are the ones who tuck us in at night, take care of us when we are ill, and to whom we confide everything to. When women think of themselves, they imagine the kind of ladies we all know and love. Does this alter the culture? Close your eyes and visualize Italy right now. You can view the lovely city structures as well as the busy, Italian-speaking locals. Not only do you admire the beauty of the city and architecture around you but the beautiful people as well. Since I first arrived in Italy, I have encountered many of the values that define women's gender identities, including femininity, motherhood, and beauty although there is one overarching theme through all these values: Bella Figura.
From culture to culture, we have different expectations of what a woman should be. Many of us imagine our mothers, sisters, dearest friends, or our teachers and professors when we think of women.
Bella Figura
It's no surprise that the concept of "la bella figura," or "the beautiful figure," appeals to Italians. It refers specifically to dressing nicely to leave a positive first impression. Italians frequently aspire to appear attractive, as it is a fundamental aspect of the culture they are exposed to from an early age. Whether we are attending a formal event or a casual get-together with friends, they generally like to dress chicly. In Italy, it is common to see a man in a suit riding a bicycle on the warmest day of the year or an Italian woman grocery shopping while sporting stylish shoes. But the beautiful figure is much more than just good looks. Additionally, it is about decency, friendliness, and manners.
La bella figura is often associated with self-respect and decency among Italians. In this context, "figura" refers to etiquette and "bella" refers to beauty. An older Italian woman who values having a good appearance opts for a clothing guideline that is age-appropriate. A young lady who cares about her looks wouldn't go out in public in sloppy sweatpants. A college student from Italy wouldn't show up to class in pajamas or flip-flops that are more appropriate for the beach or bedtime.
Many Italians are likewise very conscious of their appearance out of fear of ridicule and becoming La brutta figura (a bad impression). In small towns where everyone knows each other, it is especially important to be mindful of how you come across in public. However, Italians are sure to present themselves in the best possible light, especially on the main streets of big cities. Italians can be very direct and forthright, in contrast to Americans who are typically reluctant to criticize someone's appearance.
Italians prioritize appearance not just in public but also at home. Have you ever observed that the people of the Bel Paese (the beautiful country) are among the loveliest on the planet? This welcoming attitude is of course not immediate and is earned after taking the effort to become acquainted. Their friendly demeanor stems from the desire to make visitors feel at home as well as the desire to leave a good first impression. Making a good impression in this situation revolves around being cordial and giving. For instance, an Italian host will meticulously organize an event like a special meal for her guests while keeping in mind that "anche l'occhio vuole la sua parte" (the eye wants to be satisfied too). She'll make a point of setting the table beautifully to amaze her guests. She will create a dinner that is both hearty and flavorful. It would be humiliating to find out if there wasn't enough food or, God forbid, that she provided the coffee in a cup that was slightly chipped.
La bella figura is a concept that also refers to having good manners, also known as le buone maniere. Bella refers to "pleasant" in this context, and figura refers to "behavior." An Italian mother might want her child to behave appropriately in school, pay attention to his instructor, and get along with his classmates rather than acting like a "maleducato" in order to make a good impression. The definition of "badly educated" has nothing to do with the grade point average obtained in school. Instead, it describes someone who is rude and uncivil. So, no matter how nicely dressed and appealing a man may be, cutting in front of the line at the pizzeria will not impress anyone.
The thought of a man sweating in a suit in the summer sun or a lady looking like a runway model while purchasing milk could seem a little strange to those who did not grow up with the concept of la bella figura. However, for Italians who truly live it, looking beautiful and feeling good about yourself are integral parts of what it means to be Italian. The most crucial aspect of la bella figura is respect, which, in my opinion, is far more alluring than appearing flawlessly kept from head to toe.
So What?
Before arriving in Italy I thought I had pretty decent manners but I was proven wrong within the first week. I snapped my gum, put my feet up on chairs, and wore tee shirts and running shorts to school. Not embodying bella figura very well. I now love to embody the idea of bella figura and to present myself in the best way I can. I didn't realize how much my American culture had influenced me. Such as eating pizza with my hands, I now think that it's a little gross and childish to eat with your hands when a fork and knife are available. I also noticed many different cultural norms I hadn't paid that much attention to in the states such as respecting your elders. I always make an effort to give up my seat on the bus to older folks but this is not a norm within our American culture. I appreciate many aspects of Bella figura and will definitely be bringing them back and incorporating them into my life at home because why not look, feel, and present yourself in the best way if it's an option?!
About the Author
My name is Kaija, I am a junior at colorado state university. I am a communications major with a minor in marketing. I am from Louisville colorado but was raised in westminster colorado. Leaving colorado and experiencing italy for a month has been such an incredible experience and I can't wait to leave with the values of looking, acting, and feeling beautiful and incorporating this into my life.
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