How to Fight Stereotyping
by Bill Dal Cerro
http://www.niaf.org/image_identity/stereotyping.asp
THE THREE R's)
STEP 1: REVIEW
If you see an offensive ad, film, sitcom, etc., jot down a complete,
objective statement of facts: e.g., contents, date and time, where it was shown or broadcast.
Find out who is the
person responsible. If an ad, the head of the company. If a TV show, the head of the network. If a movie, the head of the
studio. Get his or her title, address, and telephone number.
STEP 2: RESPOND
WRITE a short, simple letter stating your objections to what you
saw or heard to the person in charge. Phone calls or emails should be used only as follow-up methods. And ALWAYS photocopy
your letters, sending a copy of each to the following:
The Public Relations Department of the studio, radio station,
etc.
Letters to the Editor of your local largest daily and/or weekly newspaper.
The Anti-Defamation representative
in your local area (usually your largest local Italian American club or organization.)
The NIAF Media Institute (1860,19th
St., NW Washington, DC 20009.)
Your own file, for future reference.
If or when you do receive a response, send copies
to your local Anti-Defamation group and the NIAF Media Institute. They can then advise you on how to evaluate a proper response,
either from you or from them.
STEP 3: READ
Communicate with other Italian American activists via email or faxes
to support other media offences throughout the country.
Read as much as you can about Italian/Italian American culture.
You can use these facts in your anti-defamation efforts. Send for the NIAF's free study, Italian Americans in U.S. History
and Culture, a large (9X12) stamped ($1.65) self-addressed envelope to: NIAF FACT SHEETS, 1860 19th St., NW Washington, DC
20009).
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you see a POSITIVE ad, film, etc. send a complimentary letter pronto. This is a powerful
way of circumventing future negatives because it encourages the person or persons to capitalize on the good vibes of being
praised. Try it. It works
Zogby report on Stereotypes & Teens:
The Commission for Social JusticeŽ (CSJ)
OSIA and its anti-defamation branch, The Commission for Social JusticeŽ, need your help to put an end to the persistent
negative stereotyping of Italian Americans in advertising, entertainment and the media. We often call upon our members and
supporters to participate in national campaigns, but you can also do something to make a difference in your state and community.
Below are some resources to help YOU help US put an end to defamation.
Be in the Know
Learn about just how pervasive stereotyping is in many facets of U.S. society—and examine cases of positive images...
OSIA Columns: "It's Only a Movie" and "Sempre Avanti"
CSJ 2010 President's Report
At the Movies: Positive Film Portrayals of Italian Americans, 1972-2003
Italian American Stereotypes in U.S. Advertising
Made in Hollywood: Italian Stereotypes in the Movies
Take Off the Apron: Like recent Pizza Hut ad, ethnic stereotypes should be pulled
Be Active: Fight Stereotyping & Promote Positive Images
And then do something about it...
Fact Sheet: How to Fight Workplace Discrimination
Fight Stereotypes from Your Computer
Talking Points: "The Godfather" and Stereotyping in Hollywood
Talking Points: Stereotyping on Television
What You Can Do
