Married To The Machine

Legislator's Voice Strong On Cartoon Characterizations, Weak On Community Concerns

From Wikipedia: http://wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php/Most_Italian_Americans_have_a_Mafia_connection
The stereotyping of Italian Americans as mobsters is not just limited to adult content. When DreamWorks released its publicity for its new animated film, 'Shark Tales', it became clear that these same stereotypes were being perpetuated in content meant for children. A letter writing campaign was begun to encourage DreamWorks to take out the offensive content. Below is an example of one of many letters sent:

"Today, we live in a politically enlightened age where racial and religious profiling and ethnic stereotyping are rightfully denounced by all. Society rejects derogatory generalizations and guilt by association. Indeed, we celebrate the cultural diversity and mosaic that makes up our American society. How sad it is when the entertainment industry continues to perpetuate a negative image of one particular ethnic group: Italian Americans. And how wrong and disturbing it is when such denigration is presented as entertainment to the most impressionable...our children. Nevertheless, this appears to be exactly what DreamWorks is doing with the anticipated film, Shark Tale. Set underwater, this animated movie is expected to portray the subterranean sea world life of organized crime. Not satisfied to merely tell the story, the mob-like characters are given Italian surnames, lest we fail to comprehend what this "children's movie" is really about. Directed at children and negatively portraying one ethnic group, one may only speculate as to Dreamworks' motivation. Is it to imply that only Italian Americans are involved in organized crime, or is it to teach young people that Italian Americans as an ethnic group are not law-abiding citizens? Whatever the reason, one cannot justify defaming an entire ethnic group to advance a children's story. Certainly, the film's success will not depend upon the surnames of the characters. That being so, I call upon Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg to eliminate references and implications that the mob characters belong to any ethnic group. The entertainment industry has a particular responsibility to promote diversity and tolerance for all. I urge DreamWorks to review Shark Tale and eliminate the offensive characterizations and present a true childrens' film".

-Vincent T. Muscarella, Legislator, District Eight, Nassau County Legislature, New York.

Well said! A bit overdramatic, if not downright silly, given that the portrayal complained of presents within the context of a Steven Spielberg animated movie (Shark Tales), but nevertheless, well said.

Actually, this is the most we've heard Mr. Muscarella ever say about ANYTHING!

Too bad he doesn’t have the same zeal – and lend the same voice – when it comes to property taxes, cell towers, blighted neighborhoods, or, for that matter, any issue of significance to residents of the 8th LD!

On November 6th, VOTE to give your community a strong voice. ELECT MICHAEL UHL TO THE NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE!