Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Network Television and Defining the Italian American. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
An 11 page paper which
examines the network television shows “The Sopranos,” “The Untouchables,” and
“Friends” as they define the Italian American today. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
11 pages (~225 words per page)
File: JR7_RAittv.rtf
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
to influence the countrys perceptions of those people. From African Americans to middle-class white families, network television helps keep many stereotypes alive, while even creating new ones. Italian Americans are
one of the ethnic groups that are often depicted in network television, and they are often portrayed as gangsters of one sort or another. In the following paper we examine
some of the history of network television as it involves the portrayal of Italian Americans and then discuss specific shows. The shows discussed are "The Untouchables," "Friends," and "The Sopranos."
Media Overview and Italian Americans: History of Network Television One of the most important network television shows to depict Italian Americans was that of "The Untouchables," a show
that will be addressed more fully further on in the paper. It was a show that indicated that Italian Americans were nothing more than violent gangster types. There was, as
we shall see, a great deal of anger and bitterness about such a portrayal. But, we are also given portrayals that indicate the Italian American is less than intelligent.
While there are many shows throughout the history of television which offer the viewer stereotypes of the Italian American, we turn to more recent developments, starting with the portrayal of
intelligence as seen in the character of the Fonz. "When Arthur (Fonzie) Fonzarelli appeared on the screen in 1974, with his slicked-back hair and two thumbs up, he set the
stage for a generation of dumb but lovable blue-collar Italian-American characters. Happy Days spinoffs alone gave viewers Chachi Arcola in Joanie Loves Chachi and Laverne De Fazio and Carmine Ragusa
known as the Big Ragu in Laverne and Shirley" (Laurino, 2000; m00e40.htm). After this particular show we were provided with the infamous John Travolta in "Welcome Back
...