Cable Network A&E’s latest reality show that stereotypes and denigrates Italian Americans, “The Godfather of Pittsburgh,” has been cancelled after only 3 episodes. The show was targeted by the Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition, UNICO National and many Italian Americans. The show is replete with mob-inspired messaging and references to criminal activity and violence. “Godfather of Pittsburgh” follows Vince Isoldi, who operates several businesses including a strip club, and says, despite the show’s title, “I’m just a businessman. I’m not mafia.” ONE VOICE, its organization members, such as UNICO National, and many of its activists, launched an email campaign against the show by targeting A&E. When the network did not respond, the ONE VOICE campaign shifted to the advertisers and sponsors of the show. In response, one national sponsor, Dunkin Donuts confirmed it would no longer advertise on the show. “Good riddance,” stated Manny Alfano, President and Founder of ONE VOICE. “A&E should be ashamed for again producing a show that is so insulting to Italian Americans. We are so pleased that our members joined our campaign against this affront to Italian Americans. We will continue to speak with one voice when these types of attacks on our heritage are made.” ONE VOICE’s sole focus and objective is to fight bias, stereotyping and discrimination against Italian Americans. It is the only national Italian American organization with this exclusive mission. ONE VOICE has activists and organization members across the country and issues a regular email newsletter, “The Alfano Digest,” to more than 5,000 individuals and Italian American organizations nationwide. To join or obtain more information on The Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition, an IRS-registered 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, visit www.iaovc.org. Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition Organization Members Anti-Bias Committee of UNICO National, Belleville UNICO, Bloomfield UNICO, Brick UNICO, Bridgeport UNICO, Center for Italian and Italian American Culture, Clark UNICO, Federation of Italian American Societies on NJ, Italian American Club FSGN, Italian American Heritage Club of Hunterdon County, Italian American Museum of New York City, La Festa Italiana of Lackawanna County, PA, Lt. Joseph Petrosino Lodge OSIA, Lt. Det. Joseph Petrosino Association in America, National Italian American Legal Defense Fund, NJ IIAHC (NJ Italian American Heritage Commission), Ocean County Columbus Parade Committee, Stamford UNICO, Taylor Street Archives, UNICO National, Woodcliff Lake UNICO
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
January 2015
Categories |