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NIAF Picks & Pans
home >> Image & Identity >> Picks & Pans >> Summer 2003
THUMBS UP TO:
M.J. Nappo, for writing to Amazon.com, the popular online book vendor, to complain about the website’s categorization of books about Italian Americans. Nappo was dismayed when her search results returned countless volumes dealing with the mafia. Nappo correctly pointed out to Amazon that books about the mafia should be under the “crime” category and not listed with Italian American titles. On the web, visit www.amazon.com.
Stefano Vaccara and America & Italia Weekly, a new publication that features news from both Italy and the United States. This innovative paper offers exciting articles relating to economics, politics and culture that impact Italian Americans as well as their Italian counterparts. On the web, visit www.aiweekly.com or phone 212-642-2020.
Stephen DeFelice, for speaking out about the need to reconnect with the positive values associated with Italian Americans. Dr. DeFelice is currently giving lectures and participating in roundtable discussions on the topic. His most recent book, Old Italian Neighborhood Values, is available at www.olditalianvalues.com or by calling 800-280-7715.
Ray Romano, television star of the CBS program Everybody Loves Raymond, for demonstrating that Italian Americans can make a lucrative living without playing criminal roles. Recently Romano signed a deal that pays him $1.8 million per episode, making him the highest paid series actor on television. Click on “feedback” at http://www.cbs.com/.
Michael J. Polelle, professor of law at The John Marshall Law School, for his recent article “Racial and Ethnic Group Defamation: A Speech in Friendly Proposal” that appears in Boston College Third World Law Journal. The article addresses the issue of ethnic discrimination against Italian Americans from a legalistic perspective. Contact him at 312-427-2737.
Kohler, the well-known kitchen and bath product maker, for its “Water Boy” television commercial featuring a young boy's unique quest for water. Filmed in Rome, this advertisement portrays Italians in a warm and refreshing light. Contact the company at http://www.us.kohler.com/general/contact.jsp or phone 1-800-4-KOHLER (456-4537).
THUMBS DOWN:
Lorrilard Tobacco Company for its advertising campaign against increasing New York City taxes that features an “Italian” looking man next to the statement “higher cigarette taxes encourage organized crime.” Perhaps the Lorrilard Tobacco Company needs a reminder that organized crime is not a phenomenon exclusive to Italian Americans. Contact them on the web at www.notaxnocrime.com or phone 336-335-7000.
Born to Steal: When the Mafia Hit Wall Street, a new book written by Gary Weiss and published by Warner Books. Yet another example of how Italian Americans are stereotyped as criminals in order to sell books. It is not on our recommended reading list.
Macy’s department stores, for their The Sopranos marketing campaign, which includes an opportunity to “Meet the Cast Members from the Sopranos.” Macy’s is promoting sales of the “Bada Bing” tie collection, among other items related to the show. Cast members of The Sopranos were slated to autograph the ties at various sites including Herald Square. Macy’s is also selling the book, The Tao of Bada Bing: Words of Wisdom From the Sopranos. Contact the company at http://www.macys.com/service/contact/splash.jsp.
Special Thanks to: Manny Alfano, Dominic Candelero, M.J. Nappo, Bert Vorchheimer, Richard Juliani, and Michael Macintosh
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