So Much More than the Godfather

Proud to be an Italian American

Published on June 18, 2004 By Andrea Nelson In Misc

I just saw an advertisement for the Godfather on television and was inspired to post. One of the subjects of The Godfather books and movies is the Italian-American, which is a category I fall into. I am a card carrying member of NIAF (National Italian American Foundation), I attend their retreats, the big Gala in Washington, D.C. every year (which famous I.A.'s are honored and invited to attend), and recently was awarded a two week educational trip to Italy (from which I just returned on Saturday). I am proud of my Italian heritage, however, like the NIAF, I try to discourage the traditional and popular stereotypes. I like to let people know that just because your family is from Italy, it doesn't make you like all other Italians. The regions are so different and diverse; they have different, cuisines, dialects, and even physical appearance. I love the Godfather, Goodfellas, a Bronx Tale, etc. as much as the next person, but that isn't how we all are. I wonder how people really see Italian Americans? Would I fit your stereotype? Would my family fit your stereotype? Do you even have an Italian American stereotype?

Comments

Joe98

on Jun 18, 2004

I live in a rural part of Texas where we are one of three things: White/Black/Hispanic. I don't recall ever meeting an Italian American, so I guess it's my privledge to do so here! Hello!

psychx

on Jun 18, 2004

In this world there are stereotypes for every ethnicity...

Zoologist03

on Jun 18, 2004

Hehe.....there is only one stereotype I know of...Italian anger....I know this to be true, at least for me...(I'm have a good bit of Italian ancestory too, actually a lot) When I'm mad...you'd better back off or you're dead....lol....joking.....I'm don't hurt people... for now at least...lol

~Zoo

Larry

on Jun 27, 2004

I think there's a fascinating with Italian culture that carries over into the realm of the "stereotype." Not all of this is negative, I believe, but a lot of it is, such as what the Sopranos or the Godfather refer to. But there is also something, say, mysterious about the mobster stereotype which gives it "legs" with the American public.

With that said, there is certainly more to being Italian-American than mobster movies, pasta, cooking with garlic, and being one hell of a lover.

Mauro

on Jul 09, 2004

Of course there's so much more than "The Godfather". There's "Godfather II", for instance. Can't forget "Casino". There's the little-known "29th Street", the real life story of Frank Pesce, the guy who won the first NY State Lottery. There's "My Blue Heaven", the best Italian movie not to feature any actual Italians. There's "Lady and the Tramp", with the restaurant owner who brings out the spaghetti and meatballs. (OK, so that's a bit of a stretch.) The point is, we make for some damn good movies. And some damn good food.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to the kitchen. I've got a pot of meatballs going on the stove while I watch "Donnie Brasco". Stereotype? Yeah, that's me.

Marisa

on Dec 06, 2004

I agree. There are a lot of stereotypes concerning Italian Americans, and I encounter a lot of them in my everyday life. I can't count how many times I've gotten "aww, man. I bet your mom is in the mafia!". It doesn't help that I'm Sicilian.

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