Ep 4. The American Dream (1945-present)

The Italian Americans is a documentary series exploring the history and culture of Italian Americans in the United States. In season 1 episode 4, titled The American Dream (1945-present), viewers are taken on a journey through the post-World War II era to the present day, examining the ways in which Italian Americans have contributed to American society and how they have been shaped by their experiences in this country.

The episode begins by looking at the role of Italian Americans in the labor movement of the 1940s and 50s, from the struggles of the garment workers to the rise of the Teamsters under the leadership of Jimmy Hoffa. A key figure in this movement was Frank Sinatra, who used his celebrity status to help raise funds for union causes and publicly support striking workers. The episode also explores the connection between Italian Americans and organized crime during this period, examining the stigma that was often attached to those who were involved in criminal activities.

Moving into the 1960s and 70s, the episode looks at the impact of the civil rights movement on Italian Americans and their relations with other ethnic groups. It explores the ways in which Italian Americans worked to advance their own interests while also supporting the struggles of other minority groups, and how these efforts helped to create a more diverse and inclusive American society. The episode also examines the role of Italian Americans in the cultural revolutions of this era, from the explosion of Italian American literature to the rise of Italian American filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola.

The latter half of the episode focuses on the rise of Italian Americans to positions of power and influence in American politics and business. It explores the careers of prominent Italian American political leaders like Mario Cuomo and Rudy Giuliani, as well as the success of Italian American entrepreneurs like Lee Iacocca and Frank Perdue. The episode also acknowledges the ongoing challenges facing Italian Americans in terms of representation and stereotyping, and the efforts of contemporary Italian American activists to push back against negative portrayals in the media.

Throughout the episode, viewers are provided with a rich and nuanced portrait of Italian American history and culture, highlighting both the achievements and struggles of this diverse and dynamic community. From labor activists to artists, politicians to business leaders, Italian Americans have played a crucial role in shaping the American Dream over the past 75 years, and this episode does an excellent job of exploring their contributions and legacy. Whether you are a fan of Italian American culture or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating and often overlooked aspect of American history, The American Dream (1945-present) is definitely worth watching.