More than just meatballs and the mafia: why Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month matters

You know the names from history’s past: Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, Lorenzo de Medici, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo. Perhaps you don’t know names from more recent times: Mother Cabrini, Enrico Fermi, Lee Iacocca, Antonin Scalia. Whether it was the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, or the 20th century, Italians and Italian Americans have had monumental benevolent influences on all areas of human civilization. It is for this reason that October is recognized as Italian American Heritage and Culture Month.

Despite these wonderful contributions to humanity, in modern times, Italians and Italian Americans seem to have lost the prestige for which they were known. Instead, it’s an ethnic group that has become synonymous with a romanticized version of organized crime, obnoxious Jersey Shore behavior, overly loud talking and endearing accents, fingers clenched at the question, “What do you want?” or delicious culinary delights. (OK, so the last one isn’t that bad.)

But beyond the cuisines, it’s an indication of why Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month is so important. Look no further than last year’s Italian-American cultural moment, New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito. A bona fide underdog story, DeVito’s rise to fame came with negative cultural stereotypes that are regularly celebrated in contemporary culture. Many in the media referred to gangsters or the mafia. The New York Giants started using the theme song The sopranosa show about a charming yet criminal, hedonistic, indulgent and murderous mafia boss.

I discussed the situation at the time with Robert Allegrini, president of the National Italian American Foundation. He wasn’t a fan of the stereotypes either.

Dr. Enrico Fermi, leader of the group of scientists who managed to trigger the first man-made nuclear chain reaction. (AP photo)

“All Italian Americans should be happy about Tommy DeVito’s success and be proud that he emphasizes his Italian heritage,” Allegrini told me. “The associated references to the Godfather, SopranosAnd Jersey Coast These are irritating clichés that Italian Americans are used to, but which they have learned to overcome through confidence in the greatness of their culture, which is the core of Western civilization.”

As Allegrini said, there is so much more to Italian Americans than a celebration of degradation or degeneration. As fun as it is to shout “fuhgeddaboutit,” Italian Americans deserve better. Icons like Mother Cabrini, whose work helped change the perception and treatment of Italian immigrants in the country, deserve more praise and recognition than Paulie Walnuts or Snookie.

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The genius of Enrico Fermi should be as revered as Albert Einstein. Lee Iacocca changed the automotive industry forever. Antoni Scalia is perhaps one of the greatest legal minds in the country’s history. And many, many others have helped shape American history and society. But in this country, in our country, Soprano has more influence than Scalia.

On October 2, the Boston City Council raised the Italian flag over City Hall Plaza in tribute to the Italian-American community. Italian American Heritage and Cultural Month was established by the country in 1989 by President George Bush. The American story could not have been written without the Italians. It’s time to stop treating the group as a punchline and instead prioritize recognizing their invaluable contributions.