"America" and The Godfather

Today, as we threw ourselves into deeper waters of discussion and watched more of The Godfather, we raised several difficult questions together that underscore what's at stake in our work. In our opening discussion, we hit on one, in particular, that left us conflicted. We each seemed to have very different ideas of what we thought most individuals viewed as the default social norm for “American.” Some said Kay, a blond White Anglo-Saxon woman from New England was what others considered the default social norm for “American.” Some said the image of the immigrant pursuing his dreams was what many considered the default social norm for “American.” And some had other ideas.

So what do you contend is the default norm in our society for “American”? Describe it and explain why.

Similarly, the film itself looks at the issue of identity in another light. Michael grows up in the United States as the son of Italian immigrants. Michael lives in Italy for safety as an American broad. The film almost certainly posits a contrast between the world of America and the world of Sicily.  What do you believe that difference is, especially when one considers a) Michael’s identity in each place, b) the social structure of each place, and c) the contrast between Kay and Apollonia?

Finally, one could argue that Michael has actually become more American after he returns from Sicily. Defend or contest this statement.

Note: there's certainly a good deal to think about and write about here, but a phenomenal movie and a strong class deserve it here. Please make sure your response is thoughtful and thorough. We're excited for some tough conversations tomorrow after we've viewed the whole film.

The "Mafia" and Organized Crime in early parts of "The Godfather"

The captivating characters. The seemingly simple settings. And the fantastic food (of course, some might have a different opinion of the food and they are thus OK with being wrong.).

Given what we've seen so far, how are the "Mafia" and organized crime portrayed in The Godfather? In other words, what does the film seem to be saying about them?

Please remember that some have yet to see this whole film. Make sure to use only details found thus far in the movie SO as not to spoil later parts. WRITE AT LEAST TEN+ SOLID SENTENCES AND REFER TO EXAMPLES.

Also, see the link to the IMDB for referencing names, etc.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068646/

"Mafia" Stereotypes in Our Minds and in the World

In class today, we discussed different stereotypes we each associated with "the Mafia." Some of you mentioned cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, men with black suits, black cars, and Tommy Guns and specific figures in organized crime. Others mentioned family, violence, and corruption. And many of you cited a variety of sources for these stereotypes -- from classic films to video games and sitcom parodies. Given our discussions today and your own experiences, deliver a firmer explanation of just what the "stereotype" of the "mafia"is in our culture. To be sure, we can acknowledge that there are multiple explanations of social "stereotypes" of the "mafia," but we're scholars of literature and culture now and scholars must make decisions in their ultimate claims. In no fewer than 10 thoughtful sentences offer your working scholarly account of what the stereotype of the Mafia is in America. What is it and, just as importantly, why is that the case? (It likely makes sense to use some of the images, TV, and Film examples you have identified as supporting evidence in your response.)