Our heritage is where we grew up. The fuck with all this ancestor shit. We all came from somewhere else if you go back far enough. Americans came from everywhere...Before that, everywhere was Europe, Africa and Asia. Before that, everywhere was Africa. So we're all from Africa. BUT! Before that, we all came from fish-bits, when Pangea still existed. So we're all narwhal heritage. But as I said, we're from where we grew up. NYC is where I'm from, so fuck all this shit. You can't beat it and the way we tawked. You don't have anybody down there work like me.
Ah yes... that moment in your youth when you realize you came from somewhere and seize on some pedigree that offers homogeneity and continuity. Get a DNA test. Find out that you are from all over Europe like everyone else. Understand that you have a large dose of African if you have some Italian in you. Then grow up.
I think it's easier to be "proud" of your heritage when you're away from the motherland. Like the Americans claiming "I'm I-talian bro" with such pride. Italians in Italy are quite down on the country, from what I've seen. That said, nothing wrong with it. German-heritage Americans are the largest group but barely anyone shows any pride in their ancestry. Meanwhile if you're African and do it, you get automatic approval. While not American -- I have Baltic, German and Swedish roots from not too many generations ago.
I am 100% swede and totally lacking in hybrid vigor. While I'm here... zero fucks given about your guido ancestry.