In one of his most recent attempts, "Dominick Pilla, An American Hero, 
One Among Many", Nick in making presentations to various Studio 
Executives, was met with two specific objections. NOT that it wasn't 
a good story, or that it wasn't well written, BUT...

1) "it lacked 'sex and the mob' "

2)" didn't see any support by 'the Italian-American community'  for 
positive imagery projects" 

Has the Media done such an effective job in "type casting" the Italian 
American, that:

1) the Media feels that it is too much of a Gamble, to get the public to 
accept an Italian American in a Positive Role??

2) the Italian Community itself, has been "Brain Washed" to such an 
extent, that it either can ONLY "Identify" with those "Negative 
Caricatures", or that we have Unconciously/Conciously "Bought Into" 
the "Self Loathing", that can be the inevitable result of a steady Diet of 
Deprecating and Disparaging Depicitions!!! ???

What are we to do???

A). Join OSIA, UNICO, NIAF, even if you are not a "joiner". 
B). If you are already a member, Encourage your CHAPTER to adopt 
        as one of it's mandates, "Italian American Anti-Defamation and 
        Discrimination".
C). Encourage the NATIONAL HQ of your Org. to become more 
        "Pro-Active" Re: "I-A Anti-Defamation and Discrimination"
D). Join IAOV, to become more aware of the almost daily transgressions
        against your heritage, that no other community has to endure!
        And be available to "barrage" offenders, with your opinions on 
        those "chosen occasions".

The Alternative is to allow this "tin can to be tied to the tail" of your 
children 
and future generations!!!!

Contact Web Sites for these organizations are at the end:
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'Dominick Pilla, An American Hero, One Among Many'
 
From Nicolas Addeo,
Thanks to Manny Alfano of IAOV

In the mid 90's I interviewed Ben and Diane Pilla from Vineland NJ.  
They allowed me to record the story on audio cassette about their son. 
Dominick Pilla was just 21 yrs. of age  and the first American to be 
killed as he raced to evacuate a wounded Ranger. This was of course 
in that terrible battle in Somalia '93.

I wrote the short story titled 'Dominick Pilla, An American Hero, One 
Among Many'.

Thanks to Manny Alfano, a version appeared in the UNICO magazine. 
I thought that it would be a wonderful 'positive' story that could be filmed 
about a brave and committed young American of Italian descent. 

One that could counter the wave of negative imagery  usually presented 
in film and tv.  Dominick's parents agreed.

The story is quite powerful and poignant. Following a young headstrong
Dominick, who set high standards for himself and those around him to 
a brave adult 21 yr. old whose dreams would be shattered by a bullet 
through the head in some far off land.
 
But I believed he left a wonderful 'legacy'  and I thought that his story 
should be told.

Unfortunately  none of the producers who are of Italian descent  agreed.
I also contacted HBO and a fellow named Mesce (1st name might be 
Bill), who contacted me and told me that he liked the story but it lacked 
'sex and the mob'.

Mr. Plepler (VP)  also contacted me stating that he liked the story but
he didn't see any support by 'the Italian-American community'  for 
positive imagery projects and so on.

Currently there is a film being released by major producer Jerry 
Bruckheimer titled 'BlackHawk Down' that will probably include a 
Dominick Pilla character.

When the film was in production and they were seeking actors, 
and Dominick's character was being cast, I contacted the Pilla 
family and they were unaware that such a film was being produced 
or that their son's character would be included.

I continue to keep in touch with Dominick's parents. I call them 
every so often and update them on my progress with the story.  
Ben Pilla has become extremely aware of the treatment  'Italian' 
descent characters in the entertainment media, and is very 
supportive of positive change.  

For further information on Dominick Pilla, and other projects, 
or if you are in a position to assist in bringing these projects to fruition, 
please contact :Nicolas Addeo % Speranza, PO 583 Asbury Park, 
NJ 07712   Tel: #  732- 728- 0998;    Email:   dantes@monmouth.com
=======================================================
(OSIA) http://www.osia.org

(UNICO) http://www.uniconat.com/

(NIAF)  http://www.niaf.org

(IAOV)  http://www.italianamericanonevoice.org/iaindex.html