Italian American One Voice Coalition

As Italian American Organizations Call For Balance

According to some news media and some columnists, "The Sopranos" must be the second coming with its second season. They're the best, the greatest, and because they think it's well-done, it allows them to defame Italian-Americans, promote violence and perpetuate the myth that all Italian-Americans are connected to the mob. According to a study commissioned by the Commission for Social Justice/Sons of Italy in America, 74 percent of those surveyed believe Italian-Americans are connected to the mob because of the entertainment industry and shows like "The Sopranos."

Whatever happens on or off "The Sopranos" set, even if they pass gas, it makes the news and they're portrayed as lilac in spring time. The Italian-American organizations fighting negative stereotyping may be banging their heads against a brick wall. How can they compete against the millions of dollars HBO has to spend and its alliance with the press? Seven major Italian-American organizations (listed below) sent a joint statement to all major and local newspapers. (The statement did not appear, or did it disappear?)

The seven organizations stated, "That the HBO Network and its series "The Sopranos" are guilty of defaming and assassinating the culture and character of Italian-Americans by using their religion, customs and values in an immoral context that damages the image and reputation of an estimated 20 million Americans of Italian descent, the fifth largest ethnic minority.

The statement went on to list the many contributions made by Italian-Americans to the U.S. and asked, "Isn't it time television abandons the false and harmful stereotypes of Italian-Americans such as those presented by "The Sopranos" and give us Italian-American characters who are educated, law-abiding and articulate? NOW THAT'S ITALIAN!"

Philip Piccigalo, CSJ/OSIA 202-547-2900

Dona De Sanctis, NIAF 202-387-0600