What Would the Setbacks Do?
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BABY FOTOS-"Hey! It's Going To Have A Big One!"
January 28th, 2003
Pasquale Indrizzio writes:
Hey Boys!
I have an awkward question to ask you guys. I think one of you is Italian, so which ever one you are, let me know what you think especially.
I'm from a large Italian family, and there are particular customary things that are involved with having a baby, and one of them is taking naked baby pictures. My wife, who is Polish, is not accustomed to having pictures done with so much attention to the baby, especially considering some of my family's traditions. We had a photo shoot at my uncle's house the other night, and it is cutomary that emphasis is put on the baby's gender. My family was very proud that my son Josh was born a boy, but my wife was horrified as fifty people drank wine, and talked about how excellent my son's wares were, especially considering his age. My uncle was ecstatic, as were my grandparents that the photos turned out, and my uncle even got one blown up to a poster that he hung in the local social club where all the friends and family are happy. Keep in mind that these are tasteful pictures...normal naked baby pictures, but my wife is freaking out and has become very uncomfortable around my family suddenly. I know she thinks that my family are a bunch of weirdos, but she has to understand that this is tradition. HELP!!!!!
 Trevor |
Some of you may have already guessed this, but I am not the Italian in the band. But don't let that fool you, I have one hell of a patch of chest hair.
Anyway, while attempting to do some research into your custom to better answer your question, I found myself in a Pete Townshend type situation and have decided to not search anymore for "italian baby pictures" on google. This leaves me not knowing much of your crazy customs, but I have made some assumptions in coming up with my advice: Your wife will never understand Italians. I went to a predominently Italian high school, and I never knew what the hell was going on (assumption #1-all Italians speak too fast). So tell her to ride it out, and to look forward to a good life, as a drywaller or foreman on a concrete crew can make a lot of money (assumption #2-one of these is your career). Besides, little Tony will still grow up normal but will still be embarrassed by these picture in the future (assumption #3-your kid's name is Tony). -Cake Kealey |
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 Steve |
Yes Pasquale, I am the Italian member of the group...my family hails from the southlands of Italy. Word of advice - don't ever go there, it's a shithole. Canada is much nicer.
Being a fellow pepperoni, I totally understand your dilemma and how our traditions seem a little bizarre and offensive to your Polish wife and her family. I think you just need to assure her that this is normal Italian behaviour and once the baby reaches the age of 30 or 35, you'll probably stop taking these kinds of photos for good. Viva Italia! |
 Paul |
As a male model I can sympethize for you. I was in that same position when I was a child. It was those baby photos that got me my first modelling job. Ever since then my parents, girlfriends, and friends have scrutinized me for showing my "wares". Now that I'm 25 I am starting to slowly convince my family and friends that this is what I enjoy doing. I was born to be in front of a camera. I can't live the button-down life like you. I want it all: the terrifying lows, the dizzying highs, the creamy middles. Sure, I might offend a few of the bluenoses with my cocky stride and musky odors -- oh, I'll never be the darling of the so-called "City Fathers" who cluck their tongues, stroke their beards, and talk about "What's to be done with this Paul Townsend?"
What I'm getting at here is that nobody is getting hurt with these harmless photos, and while it might take some time to convince others, they will hopefully come around. |
 Chris |
Hey Pat,
As my brother in arms, Steve Palmerino, goes and starts stomping grapes with his feet, and jumping on the FIAT that they call The Italian Bandwagon, I will give you my take on this. I'm accustomed to this practice. The size of a male baby's johnson are a major thing when taking baby pictures. I once had a girlfriend, Alyson, who was Jewish, and she made me sit through a bris. You know what that is? It's when Jewish people party for getting a baby boy circumsized. My reaction was less than polite as this 4000 year old ritual took place. I made an official statement during the procedure, which didn't liken me to Alyson's parents. I upset the baby, and really upset the family for criticizing the methods that they used. I'll admit, I was a little shaken at the sight of seeing a penis being carved up like a Xmas turkey, (...albeit a baby one, but still a penis), but I should have known better than to hit the scalpel out of the rabbi's hand, grab the baby, and try to run away. As I ran like Carl Lewis down the street, I was screaming to everyone that heard me, "They're gonna cut his wang!". After being picked up by the cops, Alyson's parents didn't press charges, but we ended up breaking up over it. I thought I was doing good, but my inability to try to understand the traditions of the old world, cost me dearly. Your wife has to be realistic, and also respectful. Taking naked baby pictures is a norm, and although I don't find it weird,....blowing the picture up to hang in the social club, is something that I think she should be able to deal with. Italians are passionate people. This is sometimes a scary thing for the cakes, and they can get intimidated. As far as I'm concerned, to make things this extreme over something that trivial, is worthless, and a reaction like that should be saved for when she finds out about your mistress....(which I'm assuming you have, because what the hell kind of Italian are you if you don't...). As usual, my advice flows like wine.... -chris |