CFK, in an “Italophobic” mood, has linked Mauricio Macri’s ancestors with the Calabrian mafia. I must say my grandparents on both sides were Italian. My mother was born in Italy. I’m married to someone whose father was Italian too. Therefore, I can’t help feeling insulted by the Vice President’s racist statement, her outrageous theory of the so-called “mafia genes”.

 I know it’s naïve to expect an apology from her, in spite of having hurt many people’s feelings with her arbitrary generalisation. I’m extremely proud of my Italian ancestors, and I’m grateful to them. They certainly helped build this nation, and taught us so many values: effort, sacrifice, hard work, honesty.  At the antipodes of the “mafia”. Far from it.

Published on Buenos Aires Times