2 of 12

Hurt

Write now Article Tools

Anytime an ethnicity is portrayed negatively in a public manner, it hurts the ethnicity. The Sopranos is no exception. The incredibly popular cable show portrayed one ethnic group, Italians, living dishonest, violent, criminal lives with no respect for the laws everyone else obeys. Not only is this a negative stereotype, it also perpetuates the stereotype Italians already have. The stereotype of Italians being in the mob is one of the most powerful and most negative of all stereotypes.

This hurts the image of Italian-Americans in several ways. First, it scares people to think an Italian is a potential mobster and could kill at any time. Second, this stereotype glorifies violence. Third, this can cause people to avoid Italians. Finally, this stereotype hurts Italians because they may be viewed as dishonest.

The fear~ people may avoid Italians or just give in to them out of a misguided fear. People may not report something to authorities out of this misplaced fear of retribution from Italians.

Violence glorified~ what do kids think of the Sopranos? The answer is they think it's cool. Enough said.

Avoidance~ some Italians may not get invited to interact with other non-Italians. People may not let their kids play with Italian kids.

Dishonesty~ if people assume Italians aren't to be trusted, they won't be put in positions of trust.

Some of these examples are extreme, but the fact is this stereotype is so ingrained and now strengthened even more by the Sopranos, that people truly believe no Italian can be trusted. This hurts the image of Italian-Americans the most.

Learn more about this author, Maggie Madison.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Did the TV show The Sopranos help or hurt the image of Italian-Americans? ?
We want to hear your view. Write now!