There is a widespread belief among Americans that the denigration of a part does not harm the whole. Americans of Italian descent in particular have been the butt of this misconception: the whole group has suffered for the shady reputation of a few.
The intention of this book, which contains fifty short biographies of men and women of Italian descent who have contributed to America's greatness, is to help rectify this tragic mistake. The American land has given us all the potential to perfect ourselves, of which we have not taken full advantage. The greatness of the men and women whose lives are summarized here should pervade our very spirits, and make all of us a better people.
From Columbus to Petrone, from Vigo to Giannini, from Paca to Sirica, from Caruso to Sinatra, the American of Italian descent have contributed in the most significant ways to the development and enhancement of our American culture. Yet as a whole, this group has suffered the most unmerited brutalities and un-necessary prejudices at the hands of fellow Americans. From the lynching in Louisiana to the senseless mafia craze perpetrated by the media, these Americans are singled out more frequently and stereo-typically than any other individual.
Stereotyping one always stereotypes the whole.
