The part I particularly appreciate is when Dr. Piccigallo refers to those who "naively" or "with malice" admonish Italian Americans "Activists" to "lighten up."  

Dr. Piccigallo then points out "But as Mr. Alter so painfully demonstrates, it isn't "just" a movie or a TV show.  It is defamation pure and simple. 

I personally would like to note that it is rather IRONIC that Senator Torricelli was one of those that was formerly "indifferent" to the HAVOC The Sopranos wreaks on the image and reputation of the Italian American Community. 

Torricelli, then committed campaign contribution ethics violations, which were far less serious than those committed by other Senators. 

The difference was that Torricelli was so often subjected to an uninterrupted stream of articles that "indelibly tarred" him with "Sopranos" and "Italianish" references, that "Doomed" what was a most promising career, that robbed the nation of a "charismatic" leader, and the Italian American Community of a "positive" model. 

Let there be NO doubt, Senator Torricelli was only ONE of the MANY and Most OBVIOUS, and RECENT to be Victims of the Negative 'Mob" Stereotype inflicted on the Italian American Community. 

Sorry Senator Torricelli, that it took the DEVASTATION of your Political Life to 
finally realize the power of the "Sleaze" Factor of The Sopranos, and similar Media depictions !!!! 

Cuomo Sr. & Jr., Geraldine Ferraro, Justice Scalia, and so many more,
who had power and contacts, and influence, but still couldn't overcome the "taint"!! 

Let us Remember the Lesson: No Italian American is IMMUNE!!! 
===================================================
October 17, 2002

Newsweek Magazine
New York City

To the Editor:

As Italian Americans have long maintained, the media's fascination with "The Sopranos" blurs the distinction between fact and fiction, much to the detriment of Italian Americans, especially those in the public arena.   This sad situation is clearly evidenced in Jonathan Alter's feature article, "Tony and 'The Torch' " (Oct. 14).  

In it, Mr. Alter tosses aside any pretense of  journalistic objectivity as well as his responsibility to report the facts in order to draw wildly creative analogies between U.S.Senator Robert Torricelli and the homicidal protagonist of HBO's mob soap opera, "The Sopranos."

In a piece that seems more like a treatment for a "Sopranos" episode than a news story, Mr. Alter makes frequent comparisons of Torricelli and his situation to the HBO series' main characters and plot lines.  To tell his "story" he also descends into mob-speak:   Torricelli withdrew from the coming senate race because he  "seemed likely to get whacked in November."Why? Because " when you rat out New Jersey, the voters treat you like Big Pussy."

This is political profiling at its most devious since the only similarity between the very real Mr. Torricelli and the fictional Tony Soprano is their Italian heritage.  When my organization, the Sons of Italy, protests the stereotyping of Italian Americans by the U.S. entertainment, advertising, and news industries, we are told to  "lighten up."  

But as Mr. Alter so painfully demonstrates, it isn't "just" a movie or a TV show.  It is
defamation pure and simple.  Moreover, as with the HBO series, Mr. Alter's piece offers no balanced analysis, just hyperbolic allegations and sensational language intended to inflame the senses and arouse one's darker angels.

Mr. Alter owes Senator Torricelli and the nation's estimated 26 million Americans of Italian descent an apology.

The Sons of Italy is the oldest and largest national organization in the country for men and women of Italian descent.

Philip R. Piccigallo, 

Executive Director
Sons of Italy
Washington, DC

Tel:  202/547-2900