Italian-Americans?!
Italian-Americans?
Althought 6% of the American population have Italian decent and many greate film stars are Italian decendants (Sylvester Stallone, Lindsay Lohan, Al Pacino, Gwen Stefani, Shakira, Prince) people still see them as Gangsters and violent aggressive mobstrers... Why?!?
Answers:
Unfortunately, we are still battling stereotypes. And, unfortunately, we still have far too many stereotypes in society.
The same reason Irish are perceived as drunks, the Italians have been victimized by viscious stereotypes thanks to Hollyweird.
I believe it is because of the confident attitude that we Italians project. We carry ourselves with a sureness or confident demeanor and people may take that as cocky or bullish. We also have a tendency to talk loud and aggressive...you ever seen a Sunday dinner at mom's house with the whole family together?!? No one can get a word in and you gotta be able to listen to ten different conversations otherwise you gonna get smacked in the head! Bottom line...you don't like us...go f@%$ yourself!!! lol
Most of the italian american actors(most popular amongst any other italian american) were cast in mobster movies. Mobster movies were huge and of course they were filled with italian americans. I think its just another example of how the media can easily easily fuel stereotypes.
because people still remember when we all were gangsters, and a big part of italy is still run by mobsters
Because people are ignorant. they forget the contribution of Italians to music, art, opera, etc.
The mafia/gangster stereotype is such a popular theme --ie, Sopranos, Goodfellas, why not, its only a movie. David Chase, capo of the Sopranos series is Italian, ( de Cesare), he's making big money and not complaining. Complain to the Italian American Historical Society, you'll probably receive a polite letter.
I don't think that at all. I believe it depends on where you grow up. Here in California, for example, we have a very diverse population so we learn a lot about each other; much more so than they do in the Midwest.
Blame Hollywood!