Stereotypes have some truth mixed in with a few generalizations. Sometimes these generalizations can be misleading as they are often based on observation of the 1)_____ behavior of people in a certain culture. Spaghetti, pasta, mafia (黑手党), gestures, fashion – these are some words commonly used to describe Italians. How much truth is there in the stereotype? As an Italian myself, I will give you some 2)_____ into the Italian soul and clarify some misunderstandings that foreigners have about us. Spaghetti and pasta are sacred. You can't take pasta away from an Italian meal; otherwise it won't be 3)_____. A typical Italian meal generally includes pasta as a starter, fish or meat with salad as the main 4)_____, followed by fruit or dessert, and then coffee. But there are considerable regional differences in Italy, and hence 5)_____ exist between the stereotype and reality. For instance, you might find risotto (加有肉、蔬菜的调味饭) replacing pasta in some places! The Mafia is real: We are not proud of it, but it does exist, especially in the South and on the island of Sicily. Obviously, not every Italian is a member of the Mafia, and most will be 6)_____ if you use the term, even if you are just joking. Yes, the way we speak is unique. Italians use 7)_____ a lot in communication. We simply cannot talk without our hands. If the hands are busy doing something else, we start moving shoulders or other parts of the body. We are also fashion victims. You can recognize Italians by the way they dress from head to toe. We wear stylish clothes and 8)_____ for every possible occasion. You won't ever see an Italian wearing running shorts combined with long socks: It's simply against our 9)_____ of style! Italy is made up of many regions and provinces which are similar in some ways and 10)_____ in others. The stereotype contains some truth, but being Italian takes a lot more than that.