Full Description
There has been an odd reluctance on the part of historians of the Italian American experience to confront the discrimination faced by Italians and Americans of Italian ancestry. This volume is a bold attempt by an esteemed group of scholars and writers to discuss the question openly by charting the historical and cultural boundaries of stereotypes, prejudice, and assimilation. Contributors offer a continuous series of cultural encounters and experiences in television, literature, and film that deserve the attention of anyone interested in the larger themes of American history.
Contents
Introduction: Invisible People: Shadows and Light in Italian American Writing; F.Gardaphé
Darker Aspects of Italian American Prehistory; W.J.Connell
'Between White Men and Negroes': The Perception of Southern Italian Immigrants Through the Lens of Italian Lynchings; P.Vellon
'Utterly Faithless Specimens': Italians in the Catholic Church in America; P.R.D'Agostino
Perversions of Knowledge: Confronting Racist Ideologies Behind Intelligence Testing; E.G.Messina
Frank Sinatra and Notions of Tolerance: The House I Live In; A.J.Tamburri
What Luigi Basco Taught America About Italian Americans; D.L.Candeloro
Affirmative Action for Italian Americans: The City University of New York Story; J.V.Scelsa
The Changing Roles of Italian American Women: Reality vs. Myth; S.Tardi
Prejudice and Discrimination: The Italian American Experience Yesterday and Today; S.J.LaGumina
'Good Enough': An Italian American Memoir; J.Detore-Nakamura
Stereotypes Sell; But We're Not For Sale; G.Valle
Shark Tale: 'Puzza da cap' ': An Attempt at Ethnic Activism; J.Krase
If Defamation Is Serious, Why Don't Italian American Organizations Take It Seriously?; L.Loschiavo
Transacting Guido: Contested Meanings of an Italian American Youth Subculture; D.Tricarico
