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Sicilian Culture: News & Views
Soprano's Creator Chase NJ Monthly Interview
David Chase, Creator of 'The Sopranos' was interviewed by Elizabeth Primamore in the New Jersey Monthly, April 2002 Issue.
In defense of his series that denigrates the Italian American Community he stated:
..."This whole Italian anti-defamation thing takes up more time than it's worth," he says. "But I guess if somebody were to ask me, 'What should we do about it?' my answer would be, there's a lot of Italian-American organizations that are protesting, and I think instead of just launching this negative publicity campaign and complaining about The Sopranos and mob shows and being portrayed as pizza chefs, these organizations should sponsor contests. There are a lot of Italian-American kids all over the country who can be writing scripts, so sponsor contests for the best Italian-American scripts about Italian-American characters." He suggests that very good scripts might even be used in Hollywood....
Here are some SELECTED RESPONSES from :
Frank G. Cannata , Past National President, UNICO
Dona De Sanctis, Ph.D.,Deputy Executive Director,Order Sons of Italy in America
Dr. Emanuele Alfano, President, Italian American One Voice
Bud Pecoraro Lang, Walter Santi, Frank C., Lou Faiel-Dattilo
To the Editor of NJ Monthly Magazine
Re: Interview with David Chase
I read with some amusement the comments made by David Chase, regarding the activities of Italian-American anti-bias groups and individuals. The reason I say amusement is that it confirms our opinion of his total lack of awareness of who and what we are.
In this case I can only speak for UNICO National but, I can assure that the other organizations are equally committed to higher education and the promotion of Italian-American writers. UNICO's Ella T. Grasso annual award is given in recognition of a story or article that accurately reflects the Italian-American experience. That award represents a total in excess of $75,000. In 1995 UNICO created the Gay Talese Prize for literature. The first award was presented in October 1997. This $10,000 award was given to Louise DeSalvo author for her book entitled Vertigo.
I am further amused by Chase's comment that very good scripts might even be used in Hollywood. The closest occurrence of that happening was the creation of Diane Ruggiero's recent television series. Hollywood hacked that one up pretty good by trying to knock off Providence, Jersey style.
The reality is Chase professes to be an Italian-American. You should have asked him does he really know anything at all about the people and groups who have attacked the Soprano's. You might have also ask him what young Italian-American writer has he mentored and encouraged to write about the real Italian-American experience. You might also have asked him what contributions has he made to scholarship endowments in the area of Italian-American literature. I would gladly bet the ranch the answers would the same, for all three, nothing! He cares nothing for his heritage and his comments clearly express his disdain for those of us who are only seek to Honor our Fathers.
Chase is just another Italian-American who turned his creative skills towards a total denigration his own people. The list of Italian-Americans who have done the same is long but, not as long as those who continue to be outraged by the systemic rape of our culture. Take the story line of the Soprano's and place any other singular ethnic, religious or racial group as the sole characters. Then have them conducting themselves in a similar manner as Chase's characters. You would hear howls from virtually every segment of the population. To portray Italian-Americans in the manner Chase has done, is perfectly OK. We are fair game.
We can only hope that some day Chase will understand exactly what he has done and comes to regret it. Better still we can only hope that some day he will step up and doing something positive for the Italian-American community.
Sincerely,
Frank G. Cannata
Past National President, UNICO
March 21, 2002
Re: David Chase's Interview [Elizabeth Primamore, April 2002] in which Mr. Chase suggested that instead of complaining about stereotyping, Italian American organizations should sponsor script-writing contests for properties that depict Italian Americans more favorably.
The Order Sons of Italy in America, the nation's largest and oldest organization for people of Italian heritage, is pleased that David Chase agrees something needs to be done to combat the way Italian Americans are relentlessly stereotyped by by the U.S. entertainment industry. He offers the idea that Italian American organizations should sponsor script-writing contests to promote more positive portrayals.
Mr. Chase should realize that the Italian American organizations he speaks of are non-profit entities that do vigorous fund-raising in order to support their education and cultural programs, including scholarships for young Italian Americans. They do not have the means, contacts or staff to raise the kind of money -- well into the millions of dollars -- needed to produce films.
Instead, Italian Americans are counting on Hollywood insiders like Mr. Chase to use their vast influence and considerable financial power to redefine the portrait that, unfortunately, they themselves have helped to paint of Italian Americans as uneducated, morally bankrupt, violent people living on the margins of society.
It would behoove Mr. Chase to fund such a contest -- as Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have. These two young men realize how fortunate they have been and are trying to help other young writers. They have launched an annual contest for the best screenplay by a young person and the guarantee to produce the movie.
Mr. Chase would do well to follow their example and establish an Italian American Script Writing Competition. He owes his fame and wealth to scripts he wrote that placed Italian American culture, traditions, religion, and family life in despicable contexts to give dimension and authenticity to his characters and plots. It is time to present the true character, contributions, and achievements of an estimated 24 million Americans of Italian heritage. It is time for Mr. Chase to help balance the scales.
Dona De Sanctis, Ph.D.
Deputy Executive Director
Order Sons of Italy in America
Web: www.osia.org
Dear Editor:
With regard to the David Chase Interview by Elizabeth Primamore, his comments were found to be nothing more than lip service. This is the belief which will be held until such time that he contributes directly in some meaningful effort to eliminate the disparaging portrayals of Italian Americans. Mr. Chase is reminded that he is abundantly responsible for the stereotyping that he suggests be combatted through script writting contests. He is in effect asking others to undo the tarnish which he has painted on his fellow cultural descendants. Unlike Steven Spielberg, whose works have drawn attention to the discrimination suffered by the Jewish people, Mr. Chase has heaped on the already existent mound of bias towards Italian Americans. If Mr. chase is sincere, he must act with deeds rather than with spin.
Dr. Emanuele Alfano
Bloomfield, NJ
Italian-American One Voice
Anti Bias Committee of UNICO National
..."Big deal! He knows that for every film produced, there are at least 1000 scripts that are not even reviewed let alone produced, and he also knows the writers have to be a member of the Screenwriters Guild to even get consideration. He's offering a typical stroke job". Bud Pecoraro Lang << http://www.bladesinternational.com >>
David Chase has a point.........!!!!!! Italian-American kids age 6 to 16 JUST MIGHT write MUCH BETTER scripts than he can....Walter Santi
"Question is - why doesn't Chase sponsor any contests? His money and fame
could attract many young, hungry Italian-American writers.".... Frank C.
..."Why doesn't Mr. Chase sponsor some IA talent himself? Once again a cavalier response from Mr. Chase!....Lou Faiel-Dattilo,Austin, Texas
Required Reading for
Italian-Americans...
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