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It's not as bad now but there was definitely a lot of anti-Italian discrimination in the past, especially in the South were White-Protestant Southerners viewed Italians Americans as being ethnically inferior to them.
I would say no. But if you use what other groups use as a measuring stick for discrimination, you could make the argument it exists.
I look at Italian Americans (I am one) as many other groups. If you decide to act like a normal, functioning member of society, no one thinks twice. But if you want to run around looking and acting like Pauly D, expect to get a reaction. Same thing with gays, blacks, etc.
I would say no. But if you use what other groups use as a measuring stick for discrimination, you could make the argument it exists.
I look at Italian Americans (I am one) as many other groups. If you decide to act like a normal, functioning member of society, no one thinks twice. But if you want to run around looking and acting like Pauly D, expect to get a reaction. Same thing with gays, blacks, etc.
This probably sums it up pretty well actually. People are always fine with you, as long as you're like them. I don't think Italian American's as portrayed on the Jersey Shore have any connection to Italy any more than African American's as portrayed in the Rap Culture have a connection to Africa. Both groups have truly created a new "-American" culture that is separate from the original country.
People in general may not like the stereotypical person who embraces that culture. Most people in NJ actually despise the Guido culture that has sprung up along the shore and think the fact that our state is now known for that is just an embarassment.
That said, to assume all Italian-American's embrace this is just as foolish as assuming all African-American's embrace the Drug/Rap culture the media has made them famous for. In both cases, you can find a lot of examples to support the stance that the stereotype fits, however if you happen to be a member of either group, your only move is to try and avoid playing into the stereotypes. Don't over gel you're hair if you don't want to be treated like a Jersey Shore wanna-be.
People like what's like them. If you want to be different, be prepared for resistance. If you think the fight is worth it, then fight.
Are they now accepted along with the broader "white" ethnicities of German, English, and Irish descent?
Are you an Italian American? Have you been discriminated? Tell us your stories
I don't know about now, but there was a time when Italians, Irish, and Germans were equally discriminated against. Look up Nationalism in the USA and the "Know Nothing Party."
Last edited by TXNGL; 07-25-2014 at 01:12 AM..
Reason: Spelling
I don't think the Italians were ever singled out for special discrimination. In the 19th century, every non Anglo Saxon American was considered inferior and lots of articles and books were written on the the topic of race and race inferiority and superiority. Even poor white Americans of English descent were designated as an inferior "low river" people. Race fetishism was ridiculously out of hand. In this climate, Italians were just one of many non ideal "races" - inferior to the pure Anglo-Saxons. As this line of thought went out of fashion, every non Anglo Saxon European slowly came to be accepted as "white" with all of the privileges that come with that label.
I would say no. But if you use what other groups use as a measuring stick for discrimination, you could make the argument it exists.
I look at Italian Americans (I am one) as many other groups. If you decide to act like a normal, functioning member of society, no one thinks twice. But if you want to run around looking and acting like Pauly D, expect to get a reaction. Same thing with gays, blacks, etc.
I agree. If you don't act like an "American" you are going to get prejudged and people are going to talk behind your back saying "you are acting like one"
Back during WW2 my Grandma Americanized her Italian surname. She even went from Anna to Anne. In public she stopped speaking Italian to her friends, relatives, and Italian shopkeepers. No, it wasn't to not be considered "Guido", but because of prejudice against Italians, Germans, and Japanese during WW2.
I do know WASPs who come from areas that are close to predominantly Italian or Jewish towns or neighborhoods and they don't care for them
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