FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

CAMILLE PAGLIA & JAMES WOLCOTT AMONG EXPERTS EXAMINING
“THE SOPRANOS” STEREOTYPING OF ITALIAN AMERICANS

(WASHINGTON, DC— May 2,2001) Do the stereotypes found in “The Sopranos” hurt real-life Italian Americans? The question will be debated May 15 by a panel of experts that include Camille Paglia, leading author and academician; James Wolcott, columnist, Vanity Fair Magazine; Bill Tonelli, assistant managing editor, Rolling Stone Magazine; Patricia de Stacy Harrison, former co-chair of the Republican National Party; Dr. Elizabeth Messina, Fordham University psychologist and Dr. Joseph Scelsa of Queens College (CUNY).

The panel discussion, The Sopranos & Other Stereotypes: How Harmful Are They? is Tuesday afternoon, May 15 from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM at the New York Hilton Hotel (6^th Avenue & 52 St.). The conference is sponsored by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and is free and open to the public.

The NIAF conference on stereotyping is held in conjunction with the Foundation’s second annual Italian America Institutes Day 2001. The day begins with the conference, Columbus: History vs. Hysteria (10:00 AM – 11:30). Noted scholars will address current charges against Columbus. The Columbus conference is followed by an award luncheon honoring Andrew Cuomo (12:00 – 2:00 PM), followed by the panel discussion on “The Sopranos” and other stereotypes. That evening, the NIAF is also hosting its Greater New York Gala Awards Dinner ( 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM).