Queen’s University Italian culture expert Donato Santeramo can talk about the public reaction in Italy about the sinking of the cruise ship Costa Concordia.

Dr. Santeramo –  the head of Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures – teaches semiotics (the study of culture of symbols and how they are interpreted). Many Italians are saying the actions of ship captain Franceso Schettino parallel the country’s chaotic political and financial problems.

"Many Italians feel the actions of Schettino are symbolic of Italy’s political problems -- it’s in in disarray and nobody trusts the leaders who are in charge. It’s become very paradoxical,” says Dr. Santeramo, who lived in Italy in for 20 years. 

To arrange an interview, please contact communication officers Michael Onesi at 613.533.6000 ext. 77513 or michael.onesi@queensu.ca or Anne Craig at 613-533-2877 at Queen’s University News and Media Services Department in Kingston, Ont., Canada.

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