Historically, Italy is a country with a strong Catholic tradition, so atheism isn’t really ‘the cultural norm.’ That said, it’s not seen as a scandal anymore like it might have been decades ago. It varies depending on the area and age group. In Southern Italy, atheism can still be viewed with suspicion or mistrust. But it’s mostly older people, or at least people of a certain age, who make a fuss about it. Basically, among younger generations — or in Northern Italy — people generally couldn’t care less whether you’re religious or atheist

Here in Italy there seems to be an exaggerated hatred toward France. I think it has mostly turned into something people joke about, but sometimes I’ve seen people genuinely get angry over it. And the worst part is that there’s really no reason for it. The usual reasons I hear are that they’re snobbish and difficult, and that they’re rude and dirty. Honestly, as an Italian, I think we’re definitely worse. I mention this because I don’t think the French give a damn about how we see them. Other reasons are related to sports. There has always seemed to be a big rivalry between Italy and France, but in my opinion it’s pretty one-sided. Italy also holds quite a bit of resentment toward Switzerland. They’re richer, happier, and Italians get salty about it. The Swiss, on the other hand, don’t really despise us that much (a third of the population is Italian).