On my 18th birthday, I came home after a late volleyball practice and celebrated with some family and friends. I finished a science project due the next day and stayed up late consumed with thoughts of the future. What should I major in? When should I start looking for internships? How would I vote? Who should I vote for? How in the heck would I help to stop global warming? I was completely wrapped up in the things I thought I was supposed to do and be as a recognized, legal individual in our nation.
Thinking back on this experience...man, I wish I could turn 18 once more (don’t we all?) – but this time, as an Italian citizen. As of September 15, 2016, the Italian government will be issuing a €500 “culture bonus” to citizens on their 18th birthday. Considering I didn’t even get a festive card from the U.S. government, I’m a little salty.
What is a “culture bonus,” you ask? It's delivered as a voucher through an app, and these young adults can redeem their gift for things like books, museum admission, film tickets, theater tickets and trips to national parks. Why? According to parliamentary undersecretary Tommaso Nannicini, “It reminds [the youth] how important cultural consumption is, both for enriching yourself as a person and strengthening the fabric of our society.” Ahem, where can I sign up?
The Italian government estimates the project to cost €290 million, and benefit 575,000 teenagers, all as a reminder “that they belong to a community which welcomes them once they come of age.” It seems the most important question has to be: is it worth it?
Italy seems to think so. A county rich in history, art, food and many other characteristics of a wholesome culture, this program seems in sync with their well-known, celebrated values. While spending some time there during my semester abroad, the feeling of cultural priority was almost tangible. Despite my experience as a visitor, perhaps Italy feels as though their younger population is missing out on cultural enrichment, as their priorities shift and distractions become abundant.
If this is really how Italy feels, I definitely would not disagree when thinking about my own generation here in America. I think most of us truly enjoy culturally enriching activities. We relish being entertained by various types of art; we crave the chance to be challenged intellectually; and we are open (for the most part) to others’ opinions and ideas. The problem is, we do not always make time to seek out these opportunities.
On my 18th birthday, I laid in my bed thinking of all the things on my list I had to check off in order to be the best version of myself and to prepare my future financially. None of these things included spending a couple hours at a museum, seeing a new band preform or strolling through a local festival. Our paths are defined by the outcome we can physically see and count. A higher salary, a nice home, expensive items and steady job. Sure, we can find passion in these things--but at what cultural cost?
I know not every freshly turned 18-year-old of Italy will take their “cultural bonus” as seriously as I would. However, I believe the Italian government is taking a step in the right direction with their incentive. If we can provide young people with the means to experience life in a way that is about the present, understanding, and expansive thinking, they are more likely to make it a priority for the future. And as humans, I strongly believe immersing oneself in cultural experiences will pave the way for a smarter and closer community.
I hope to see positive results from Italy’s gift to their youth. And if so, I sincerely hope the U.S. considers a similar program (but maybe for those turning 22).
