Within the last few months, episodes on "That's Life", "Next Monday", and 
now "The Practice", have criticized the automatic equating of: I-As = Mafia. 

These successes should stiffen the resolve of those who have been fighting 
this "good" fight, often in the face of ridicule of "apathetic" fellow I-As, and 
perhaps rouse those who have been heretofore standing on the sidelines, to 
join the fray.

(Below: See how to join IAOV)   
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"THE PRACTICE" NIAF PRAISES ABC-TV SERIES 

    (Washington, DC - April 5, 2002) The National Italian American
Foundation (NIAF) applauds ABC-TV's episode "Fire Proof" of the series "The
Practice" airing Sunday, April 7 at 10 PM (EDT) for dealing with the issue
of ethnic stereotyping in a balanced and sensitive manner.

    In the Sunday evening episode, Jimmy Berluti (actor Michael
Badalucco) defends Ronald D'Ambrosio, an old family friend and respected
businessman who employed Berluti's father.  D'Ambrosio is charged with arson
and murder after his furniture warehouse burns down.  D'Ambrosio is convinced 
that he's only been charged with these crimes because he's Italian American.

    "Is D'Ambrosio guilty or a victim of prejudice?" asks NIAF Chairman
Frank J. Guarini. "While this episode deals with ethnic stereotyping of
Italian Americans, stereotyping of any group divides us as a society, "added
Guarini.  "The media has too often portrayed Italian Americans as gangsters.
The impact of movies and television is so pervasive it's hard for people to
separate fact from fiction."

    During the episode, D'Ambrosio tells Berluti, "To your face, it's
always respect, but behind your back, they talk.  You could be Justice
Scalia...if your name ends in a vowel, they think you're La Cosa Nostra."

    "Perhaps the episode will make people think about their own
attitudes, and cause them to be a little more careful about the assumptions
they make about others," said Badalucco.

    The NIAF also issued a statement last month about the CBS-TV series
"First Monday" and producer Donald P. Bellisario for the positive portrayal
of Italian Americans through the character of Joe Novelli, newly appointed
Supreme Court Justice, played by actor Joseph Mantegna.

    "The positive portrayal of one's heritage, family ties and strong
values, which these two dramas underscore, is a blueprint for the success of
our youth," said NIAF President Joseph R. Cerrell.  "We hope that more
production companies and networks will follow suit and realize the value of
portraying all ethnic groups in a fair and realistic manner."

The NIAF is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC dedicated to
preserving the heritage of an estimated 25 million Americans of Italian
descent. 

Visit our website at: www.niaf.org
    
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       Contact: Elissa Ruffino at 202/939-3106
==============================================
ACCENTUATE the Positive, ELIMINATE the Negative!!!!

Speaking out with One Voice against Negative Stereotyping 

Italian-American One Voice Coalition is a national network of activists 
enabling the Italian American community to act as one united voice when 
dealing with defamation, discrimination and negative stereotyping.

Member organizations provide a liaison with the IA One Voice Coalition to 
disseminate information to the Italian American community and protest with 
one voice against each outrage against our heritage, culture and character. 

Italian American One Voice - Who We Are 

Web Site:
<A HREF="http://www.italianamericanonevoice.org/iaindex.html">Italian 
American One Voice Coalition</A>  
http://www.italianamericanonevoice.org/iaindex.html