A great deal of Italian identity is tied up with Italy’s material culture. Food, wine, art, architecture, clothing, shoes and all of the other things that Italy produces carry its essence and make culture accessible and assumable in physical form.
This is especially true for Italian Americans and others who live outside of Italy, including Italians themselves who may be studying, working, retired or otherwise just living outside of the confines of the Italian state and so do not encounter these consumer goods in their daily ambit.
