I applaud what he is trying to do. Many Americans of Italian descent are quite dismayed over the Italian=Mafia stereotype. I was in Little Italy in NYC not long ago, and all of the gift shops had some Soprano or other gang related merchandise. Unfortunately, some in the Italian American community don't mind the association.
I also think many in the community feel denied by the lack of celebration of the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage in 1992.
When we moved to Texas that was the most frequently asked question.
GRrrrrrrrrrr.....