[cubancigar11]

If you mean to say that being Italian makes them more ready to look down on others, then of course YES. Euro-style nationalism and its other part known as Christianity are based upon the very idea of us-vs-them where 'we' are superior and have moral obligation to 'help' others.

[eshvk]

This is categorically racist. Think about what you are saying. You are saying that just because a person is Italian, they have a tendency to be superior; they are christian.

[cubancigar11]

"I'm like my mother, I stereotype. It's faster."

Seriously though, is there a way to be nationalist and not be racist? Nationalism, as a concept that started in Europe, is entrenched in racism. I can see that you are from USA from your anguish. But USA enjoys a very special history - that of no historical baggage that pits, say, French against the German, or Poland against Germany and Russia.

But back in Europe, 'racism', as it is taught, has been reduced to an outdated concept that has already been conquered. I can assure you it hasn't been. It has rather enabled many people to be racist without being called one.

Sorry, drifted away. Coming back to your point, people are racist. Italy and India share different narrated history - one of a old conqueror in decline and the other of a old underdeveloped civilization in turmoil after British left it out of pity. Everyone seems to believe it. All of their opinions are based upon it. It might be wrong to call Sonia (the Italian in question) racist because she is Italian, it is also not wrong to want to get rid of political bosses because they are Italian.

There is a lot that can be said here, but I guess I will have to resort to quoting from dusty books and running into abstract ideas.