Croci, Gianni

Ethno-symbolism is the study of nationalism through symbols and myths. Anthony D. Smith argued that nations are created from the shared memories of a core ethnie. This thesis applies Smith‘s framework to the Venetian population in Italy. Modern Venetians based their national identity on the Myth of Venice, positive memories about the independent Republic which existed from 697-1797. Venetian national identity developed in three waves. First, the Myth was molded from a cultural explosion in the face of political decadence during Il Settecento (Eighteenth Century). Then, Venetian intellectuals idealized their past in order to join the Kingdom of Italy during Il Risorgimento (Italian Reunification). Finally, a conservative philosophy against modernization arose during the twentieth century in response to globalization and mass tourism. Nationalist movements developed during contemporary times as modern Venetians established their national identity.

Prostitution is a controversial service which went through periods of legalization and criminalization in American history. The main problem is a social taboo which considers prostitution to be morally wrongful and a social nuisance. After the Progressive Era, Congress outlawed sexual acts it deemed immoral using Commerce Clause powers. Since the sexual revolution of the 1960s, legislation regulating sex devolved to the states. Currently, prostitution is banned in forty-nine states. I argue that prostitution should not be abolished because it is not inherently harmful, it is not an immoral act, and it has liberty interests found within the United States Constitution. The federal government should define prostitution as a legal activity between consenting adults, and the states should regulate the practice as it does other legitimate professions.