The A Testa Alta

The A testa alta

The A testa alta (literally "With high head") is a slogan and a mindset that has been adopted by many Italian politicians, celebrities, and ordinary people in the face of adversity, challenges, and scandals. It expresses a sense of pride, resilience, and defiance against those who try to undermine or attack them. The phrase has been used in various contexts, such as sports, entertainment, and politics.

Origin and meaning

The origin of the phrase is not clear, but some sources trace it back to the ancient Roman poet Horace, who wrote in his Odes: "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" ("It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country"). The full verse reads: "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori: / mors et fugacem persequitur virum / nec parcit inbellis iuventae / poplitibus timidove tergo" ("It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country: / death pursues the man who flees / and spares not the hamstrings or cowardly backs / of battle-shy youths"). The phrase "nec parcit inbellis iuventae / poplitibus timidove tergo" can be translated as "nor does he spare the cowardly youth / who walks with his head high" . This suggests that Horace was praising the courage and dignity of those who face death with honor, rather than fleeing or cowering in fear.

The A Testa Alta

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The phrase was also used by the Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio in his 1915 poem "La canzone del Quarnaro" ("The Song of the Quarnaro"), which celebrated the Italian victory over the Austro-Hungarian Empire in World War I. D'Annunzio wrote: "E noi siam forti e siam superbi e siam felici / e camminiam con la testa alta e con la fronte alta / e con la bocca piena di canti e di sorrisi" ("And we are strong and we are proud and we are happy / and we walk with our heads high and with our foreheads high / and with our mouths full of songs and smiles") . The phrase "con la testa alta" became a symbol of Italian nationalism and patriotism, as well as a way of expressing confidence and optimism.

Examples of usage

The phrase has been used by many famous Italians in different situations, such as:

In 2006, after winning the FIFA World Cup against France, the Italian national football team chanted "A testa alta" as they lifted the trophy .

In 2011, after being convicted of tax fraud and sentenced to four years in prison, former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said: "I will continue to fight this unjust sentence with my head held high" .

In 2013, after being expelled from the Senate for his criminal conviction, Berlusconi said: "I will not give up. I will continue to fight for freedom with my head held high" .

In 2023, after announcing her separation from her partner Andrea Giambruno amid a scandal involving leaked audio recordings of him insulting her, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: "I have decided to end my relationship with Andrea Giambruno. I do it with my head held high, without fear or shame" .

Criticism and controversy

The phrase has also been criticized and mocked by some people who see it as a sign of arrogance, hypocrisy, or denial. Some examples are:

In 2018, after losing the FIFA World Cup qualification against Sweden, the Italian national football team was accused of being "a testa alta" by some fans and media outlets who blamed them for their poor performance and lack of humility .

In 2020, after being accused of sexual harassment by several women, actor Asia Argento said: "I have always acted with my head held high and I will continue to do so" . Her statement was met with skepticism and backlash by some people who questioned her credibility and integrity .

In 2021, after being found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in prison for the 2012 Costa Concordia shipwreck that killed 32 people, former captain Francesco Schettino said: "I accept the sentence with my head held high" . His remark was condemned by some survivors and relatives of the victims who called him "a coward" and "a murderer" .

The phrase has also been used ironically or sarcastically by some comedians, satirists, and social media users who make fun of the contradictions or absurdities of some situations or people who claim to be "a testa alta". For example:

In 2019, the Italian satirical TV show Striscia la Notizia aired a sketch called "A testa alta", in which they showed clips of politicians and celebrities who had been involved in scandals or controversies, while playing the song "A testa alta" by Italian rapper Fedez .

In 2020, the Italian comedian Maurizio Crozza impersonated Berlusconi in one of his shows and said: "I have always been a testa alta, even when I was lying down with the escorts" .

In 2021, the Italian Twitter user @lucabagatin tweeted: "A testa alta anche quando si sbaglia. PerchÃ sbagliare Ã umano. Ma sbagliare con la testa alta Ã da italiani" ("With your head held high even when you make mistakes. Because making mistakes is human. But making mistakes with your head held high is Italian") .

Conclusion

The A testa alta is a phrase that has a long history and a complex meaning in Italian culture. It can be seen as a positive or negative attitude, depending on the context and the perspective. It can be used to express pride, resilience, defiance, arrogance, hypocrisy, or denial. It can also be used for humor, irony, or sarcasm. It is a phrase that reflects the contradictions and complexities of Italy and its people.

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