You should see beyond what's written: Venice has a big tourists' problem, who are not only increasing in numbers but also disrespectful of the history, the city and the people working and living in it. This story isn't anecdotical, it's emblematic of a widespread issue of touristic consumerism.
The italian mind for sure tolerates more contradiction than most, but that doesn't mean italian people can't complain.
Also, there is a lot of different factors at play in your comment. Even only in regards to sewers, can you imagine the complexity of designing, implementing and renovating a sewer system in a historical millenia-old city built on water?
Reverence is a projection, I don't think italians demand reverence, but respect and empathy would be a nice start.
can you imagine the complexity of designing, implementing and renovating a sewer system in a historical millenia-old city built on water?
While I have limited knowledge about the exact construction of Venice. I'd imagine localised aerobic septic systems would be a tolerable solution. The water coming out of those will have a slight mildewy/musty smell to it but is (allegedly) potable.
I went on a trip to a native American historical site, and the tour guide told us about a family that came and the parents watched and egged on the kids while they used rocks to mark up the walls.
The person who responded to you isn't saying that this gondola is historical, rather that the attitude doesn't stay only in that boat.
The same people standing in the boat to take a selfie are also doing stupid shit around irreplaceable history.
You can willfully ignore the connection between these things. All things, really. But if the world seems confusing to you, this is why.
You're right. Let's get back to all the great stories about corruption, genocide, and how a few humans may be left surviving a barren, overheated wasteland in a century or two. It's been ages and I miss hearing about all that. Stupid gondola.