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.

A cultural and historical exploration of Italian and Italian American discrimination

Introduction: Invisible People: Shadows and Light in Italian American Writing; F.GardaphéDarker 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'AgostinoPerversions of Knowledge: Confronting Racist Ideologies Behind Intelligence Testing; E.G.MessinaFrank Sinatra and Notions of Tolerance: The House I Live In; A.J.TamburriWhat Luigi Basco Taught America About Italian Americans; D.L.Candeloro Affirmative Action for Italian Americans: The City University of New York Story; J.V.ScelsaThe 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-NakamuraStereotypes Sell; But We're Not For Sale; G.ValleShark Tale: 'Puzza da cap' ': An Attempt at Ethnic Activism; J.KraseIf Defamation Is Serious, Why Don't Italian American Organizations Take It Seriously?; L.LoschiavoTransacting Guido: Contested Meanings of an Italian American Youth Subculture; D.Tricarico