Spaghetti Sissies Queering Italian American Media

This book explores the LGBTQIA+ Italian American experience and representation in North American media, highlighting the need for more diverse and inclusive narratives. It combines personal accounts and scholarly research, focusing on the hyper macho blue-collar greaser, anti-intellectual GTL Guido, child-obsessed mamma, and heteronormative mafia family stereotypes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This groundbreaking collection brings together personal narratives and scholarly research to explore the LGBTQIA+ Italian American experience and representation in North American media. A population that has long been overlooked both as a subject of study and as a media creator and consumer, this book sheds light on the rich and diverse tapestry of Italian American identity. Through consistent cinematic representation, the image of the Italian American has become archetypal, giving rise to a familiar set of characters: the hyper-macho blue-collar greaser, the anti-intellectual GTL Guido, the child-obsessed mamma, and the heteronormative mafia family. These characters' loudness and prominence have drowned out other possible embodiments of Italian American identity, leaving few examples of Italian Americans who deviate from these classed, heterosexual modes of being. This volume seeks to rectify this imbalance, emphasizing the significance of representation and challenging historical narratives and cultural stereotypes surrounding Italian American identity.

Designed specifically for those with an interest in queer theory, gender and sexuality studies, Italian American studies, and media and cultural studies, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of a community that has often been marginalized and misunderstood. By delving into the experiences and perspectives of LGBTQIA+ Italian Americans, this collection provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of intersectionality, identity, and the media's role in shaping public perception.

In conclusion, this collection is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the LGBTQIA+ Italian American experience and its representation in North American media. By challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity, this book contributes to a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of a community that has contributed significantly to American culture and society.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031101960
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023