The Italians are seen in many ways, largely thanks to stereotyping. There is a joke that claims Italians change their government as often as they change their socks. Italian made appliances, while beautiful, are prone to breaking easily and to have them repaired will often cost more than your original purchase price. American politicians will work themselves up over what Michelle Obama is dressed in, while in Italy Silvio Berlusconi’s wife is going public about his alleged romps with an 18 year old girl.