[RAA NOTE: In every printed or broadcast interview that I have ever seen or 
read, David Chase comes across like a "Dilbert DimWit". Again he does not 
disapoint] 
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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....
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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
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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
 <A HREF="http://www.italianamericanonevoice.org/iaindex.html">
Italian-American One Voice</A> 
<A HREF="http://community.nj.com/cc/AntiBiasCommitteeUNICONational">Anti Bias 
Committee of UNICO National</A>  
=====================================================
..."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
===================================================