Just when I thought Gino the Ginny was behind us (finally) and the My New Haircut kids went away...I got a message on Facebook with a link to this video. The message subject read “anti-Italian video” and the message itself said simply, “WTF?” Obviously, I had to watch the video.
After I watched the video (which currently has 260,000 views) my reaction was oddly similar to the original message I received- “WTF?!” My reaction is that for a number of reasons, but here is the most important. Watch the video below- the woman never mentions the man's ethnicity. Not once. All we know from her schtick is that he has a very heavy Brooklyn accent, and apparently, is the most uncivilized human being on the face of the planet.
When you're done watching the video, read the title of the video: Italian/Brooklyn man asks me out. Where did ethnicity become a part of this performance? Obviously, the man's ethnicity was not important enough for her to mention it in the video. But, it was necessary for her to hammer home the point that this is what she interprets as being Italian, as she had to mention Italian in the title.
The comments on the video are just as tragic as the performance itself. Hundreds of comments are praising her as if they've just viewed Humphrey Bogart finish filming Casablanca. But I did my home work- and it turns out that there were quite a few comments marked as spam and hidden. If you click on the links, you can view the hidden comments. Here is a sample of those hidden comments:
You know what else was hidden and marked as spam? Comments made from the man she was impersonating that said all of this was untrue:
Did anyone care about the man's comment? No. It was completely glossed over- and everyone continued to sing this woman's praises: (please forgive the expletives)
And so, the “Italian Idiot” myth continues....
The video has "spawned" a sequel- Italian/Brooklyn man on a date. Again- watch this woman's interpretation of what Italian is. Its nauseating. I am an Italian from Brooklyn- and have never encountered anyone close to what she is portraying. These videos are furthering Italian stereotypes, and everyone should let FunnyChloeMichelle on Youtube know about it.
Heading into the New Year, I want you all to know that you can make serious changes in how this country views our culture and ethnicity. Stand up for us, defend our image and reputation at every chance you get, and most importantly, never let anyone take you for a fool because you are Italian.
If you need help beginning an Italian Club at your school, reaching out to Italian American organizations, or if you've encountered anti-Italianism on the street or online, reach out to us at: ItalianAware or Our Facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment