Interesting video produced by iItaly.org; I have a lot of opinion behind this topic and because I am a first generation Italian American. I don't necessarily agree with all these opinions. Watch this video; share what you think.
I agree with Dr. Tricarico in that there will be/is collateral damage from all this.
All I had to do was watch 2 minutes of the Jersey Shore to say "no thank you" to this show and its portrayal of Italian Americans. It's a sad show and a sad depiction of Italian Americans. As a first generation Italian immigrant, I am offended. I've stated before that these "guidos" are as Italian as their Camaro automobiles. I don't think any of these show characters even speak Italian other than a sad attempt at properly pronouncing the words Mozzarella and Ricotta.
In my opinion, "Guido" is not a subculture of anything remotely Italian. When will Italians wake up and understand that this is a media ploy to denigrate the Italian people. It is not honorable to be typecast as a "Guido". It is embarrassing and against any strides Italians have made as a people. My grandparents, as many other Italian immigrants, came to this country and worked hard. They were often mocked as "stupid Dagos", Ghini's and Wops. Understanding a "subculture" which continues to perpetrate these insidious sterotypes, is not the answer. "Guidos" identify with an identity created by the media. This is simply what the media wants them to think "Italians" are. I am Italian and I am proud to be Italian. Of any other race of people, I would be no other. But as an Italian, I have to object - not only for myself, but for my children and for the legacy of my grandparents who sacrificed more than I will in a lifetime for my family today.
5 comments:
I agree with Dr. Tricarico in that there will be/is collateral damage from all this.
All I had to do was watch 2 minutes of the Jersey Shore to say "no thank you" to this show and its portrayal of Italian Americans. It's a sad show and a sad depiction of Italian Americans. As a first generation Italian immigrant, I am offended. I've stated before that these "guidos" are as Italian as their Camaro automobiles. I don't think any of these show characters even speak Italian other than a sad attempt at properly pronouncing the words Mozzarella and Ricotta.
As an Honorary Italian-American youth, I find Guido culture VERY empowering as it transcends race & class..
w/o Guido culture, Italian-Americans would be reduced to "Whiteness". Guido culture is necessary for ITALIAN-American cultural survival.
In my opinion, "Guido" is not a subculture of anything remotely Italian. When will Italians wake up and understand that this is a media ploy to denigrate the Italian people. It is not honorable to be typecast as a "Guido". It is embarrassing and against any strides Italians have made as a people. My grandparents, as many other Italian immigrants, came to this country and worked hard. They were often mocked as "stupid Dagos", Ghini's and Wops. Understanding a "subculture" which continues to perpetrate these insidious sterotypes, is not the answer. "Guidos" identify with an identity created by the media. This is simply what the media wants them to think "Italians" are. I am Italian and I am proud to be Italian. Of any other race of people, I would be no other. But as an Italian, I have to object - not only for myself, but for my children and for the legacy of my grandparents who sacrificed more than I will in a lifetime for my family today.
Great comments everyone, I think we all have a passionate feeling about this topic, I know I do.
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