There has been an odd reluctance on the part of historians of the Italian American experience to confront the discrimination faced by Italians and Americans of Italian ancestry. This volume is a bold attempt by an esteemed group of scholars and writers to discuss the question openly by charting the historical and cultural boundaries of stereotypes, prejudice, and assimilation. Contributors offer a continuous series of cultural encounters and experiences in television, literature, and film that deserve the attention of anyone interested in the larger themes of American history.

Hot topic: race relations and steeotypes are big topics in mainstream media and cultural studies courses. Relevant: uses influential literature, TV shows, movies etc Interdisciplinary Wellknown editors and contributors

Autorentext
William J. Connell holds the Joseph M. and Geraldine C. La Motta Chair in Italian Studies at Seton Hall University. He has published numerous books on Italian history. In 2009 he was elected a Corresponding Fellow of the Deputazione di Storia Patria per la Toscana. Fred Gardaphé is Distinguished Professor of Literature, CUNY. He is the editor of Italian American Ways ; Shades of Black and White: Conflict and Collaboration Between Two Communities ; and From the Margin: Writings in Italian Americana , among others.

Inhalt
Introduction: Invisible People: Shadows and Light in Italian American Writing; *F.Gardaphé

• Darker Aspects of Italian American Prehistory; *W.J.Connell
• 'Between White Men and Negroes': The Perception of Southern Italian Immigrants Through the Lens of Italian Lynchings; *P.Vellon
• 'Utterly Faithless Specimens': Italians in the Catholic Church in America; *P.R.D'Agostino
• Perversions of Knowledge: Confronting Racist Ideologies Behind Intelligence Testing; *E.G.Messina
• Frank Sinatra and Notions of Tolerance: The House I Live In; *A.J.Tamburri
• What Luigi Basco Taught America About Italian Americans; *D.L.Candeloro
• Affirmative Action for Italian Americans: The City University of New York Story; *J.V.Scelsa
• The Changing Roles of Italian American Women: Reality vs. Myth; *S.Tardi
• Prejudice and Discrimination: The Italian American Experience Yesterday and Today; *S.J.LaGumina
• 'Good Enough': An Italian American Memoir; *J.Detore-Nakamura
• Stereotypes Sell; But We're Not For Sale; *G.Valle
• Shark Tale: 'Puzza da cap' ': An Attempt at Ethnic Activism; *J.Krase
• If Defamation Is Serious, Why Don't Italian American Organizations Take It Seriously?; *L.Loschiavo
• Transacting Guido: Contested Meanings of an Italian American Youth Subculture; D.Tricarico