Hi MR!
You’re absolutely right. Understanding the histories of both Sicily and Italy and the period of colonization by Moors and Saracens from North Africa would do much, I think, to help many of us understand the complexities of this issue, and the limits of the race concepts. Despite what we’ve been conditioned to think, things aren’t always so “black and white.”
I actually have an updated piece on Ariana’s tan that explores the history that you speak about in detail. I figured I’d give it a little time, though, as people––much to my surprise––are still discovering this one.
In the meantime, if your interested, I cover some of that history in another piece published here. Italian history is particularly fascinating to me. ^_^
Cheers! And thanks for your comment, MR!
