http://ezinearticles.com/?American-Italians---The-Media-and-the-Mafia&id=1217083
The Sopranos is one of the most popular shows since 2000. It has woken up new wave of associating Italian-Americans with mafia. This show caused a lot of discussions and negative reaction among Italians. For about 70years, 40% of movies depicted Italian-Americans as gangsters, moreover legendary movies like Godfather, Godfellas, Donnie Brasco and The Sopranos are the ones that leave immortal conclusions for the majority of people. Consequently, this majority forms public opinion about minority “damaging their real image”. Existence of Italian mafia cannot be denied, however, according to the data, out of 25mln American-Italians only 25,000 are mafia members. This rate shows existence of the mafia and proves the fact that media do not lie; nevertheless it exaggerates reality, by avoiding some facts. From the very beginning of American history, Italians were the first immigrant that came to U.S, and due to the reason that time already passed and there is already fourth and even fifth generation tends to be absolutely Americanized; that are the reasons why nowadays prejudices about them became more offensive than ever.
Very well pointed out ideas. It is nicely researched and well evaluated. Maybe because you are also a part of cultural minority, as well as me, you portrayed this issue so vividly. I hate when people , after getting to know that I am from Russia ask me about getting drunk with vodka or if I am a part of any mafia. The worst is the relationship to Russians and Russian speakers, here in former Czechoslovakia. I can not argue about who set free prague in May 1968, because I was not simply there, but even if it were not Soviets, the relationship of younger generation should not be so hateful.
ОтветитьУдалитьThe example with Sopranos and Italian mafia in US is kind the same stereotype, which is coming from generation to generation.
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