Life of Catholicism
The Italian's religious beliefs played an enormous role in their society, and churches became the primary community centers of their neighborhoods. Immigrants brought the ideas and images of religious figures and saints to America when they moved, as well the special festivals that came with them. Through these celebrations, or "feasts", Italians celebrated their holy figures in a variety of symbolic ways (Scrima). Italian-Americans in the North End even named the churches and streets in the area after their saints in order to honor their significance. These traditions helped preserve the Italians' value of Catholicism and religious way of life.
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assimilation
By maintaining strong ties with other Italian immigrants and reducing interaction with other social groups, the Italian culture was able to remain intact for a relatively large period of time, but the assimilation process began modifying their ways of life. One area in particular that quickly became "American" was that of language. Most young Italian-Americans went to public schools that were taught in English, and parents often didn't pass down their own language to their kids; the Italian language had far too many dialects and variations to justify its learning or use in the United States, so most children learned English instead of the language of their ancestors (Cannato).
Additionally, many Italians didn't gain U.S. citizenship even when eligible to do so, instead choosing to hold onto their country's identity. However, the outbreak of the second World War brought suspicions for Italian-Americans on the basis of their connection with an Axis power. Eager to prove their loyalty to the United States and deter others from viewing them negatively, Italian-Americans began to officially become U.S. citizens. This continued the slow detachment from their home's culture (Campochiaro).
Additionally, many Italians didn't gain U.S. citizenship even when eligible to do so, instead choosing to hold onto their country's identity. However, the outbreak of the second World War brought suspicions for Italian-Americans on the basis of their connection with an Axis power. Eager to prove their loyalty to the United States and deter others from viewing them negatively, Italian-Americans began to officially become U.S. citizens. This continued the slow detachment from their home's culture (Campochiaro).