In recent news, the Italic Institute of America (IIA), an Italian advocacy group, is upset that North Central College in Naperville Illinois is allowing Spike Lee to be the keynote speaker at their weeklong Dr. Martin Luther King celebration. Rumor had it that IIA had Spike cut from the celebration; however, Ted Slowik, director of North Central's Public Relations and Media Relations cleared the air by stating:
"Spike Lee is still coming. One of the reasons we invite keynote speakers like Spike Lee is to provide an opportunity for our students to engage in thought and dialogue about issues of race and social activism -- topics that Lee has addressed in his films. North Central College has a long history of building bridges among cultures, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s visit to the campus in 1960 is one of many examples of how the college has provided forums for thought-provoking dialogue throughout its 150-year history."
Wondering why the IIA is upset about Spike's appearance at North Central? Well, Italians and Italian Americans haven't been to keen on the portrayal of their ethnic group in Spike Lee's movies. Spike is known for his apparent racial bias against Italians. Remember Do The Right Thing? Italian American stereotypes ran rampant through that movie. Later Spike produced Jungle Fever, which gave him another chance to play up well-known Italian American stereotypes. Seems like Spike has some sort of beef with Italians, huh?
When considering Spike's previous portrayal of Italian Americans, it is quite understandable that the IIA would prefer he not be the keynote speaker of their college's MLK celebration. However, IIA should not completely discredit Spike without first recognizing a few key things that are oft overlooked.
First of all, it makes little sense to do away with a person simply because their point of view is different than yours. Clearly the members of the IIA do not agree with Spike's perception of Italians and Italian Americans. However, does that give them the right to prevent others from gaining valuable tidbits of knowledge from Spike? I highly doubt that Spike would go to North Central propagating his dislike of Italians (if he actually does indeed dislike them). If anything, Spike's speech would be more about something relevant; as his personal feelings about a particular ethnic group is completely irrelevant to his listening audience.
Second, it seems North Central is having their MLK celebration in the name of race relations and social progression. If ever there was a person to speak about race and society, it's Spike Lee. Even if his audience doesn't wholeheartedly agree with his concepts, Spike Lee is good for creating phenomenal dialogue on social issues.
Third, if we must judge Spike's cinematic portrayal of Italian Americans, we must compare that portrayal to other aspects of his films. When watching Do the Right Thing for example, it is impossible to miss the plethora of stereotypes about other ethnicities, including stereotypes about African Americans. The scene with Buggin Out literally 'buggin out' over a white neighborhood resident stepping on his new sneakers is clearly a play on the stereotypical black man in the inner city (ready to start a fight, cares more about his footwear than all else, egotistical and loud). Also, Mookie's baby's mother is a loud mouth Puerto Rican who lives in a small apartment with her mother and her out of wedlock son. How stereotypical is that? In addition let's not forget Mookie, a black man who is afraid to commit to the mother of his child and is a proposed deadbeat father. Now if that isn't a stereotypical black man, I don't know what is.
With all things considered, it appears that Spike is more concerned with addressing issues of society, including those pertaining to race, rather than specifically condemning one group of people over another. His movies are a glimpse into his mind, his world, and his experiences. There is no need to shut him out because you disagree with his films. IIA, open you minds and realize that Spike's depiction of Italian Americans on film is a necessary component of his social commentary on life. Attend his speech. Respect his insight. Then, if you still feel the need to have your own representation on campus, campaign for a keynote speaker of your choosing for next year's event. But this year, let's pay homage and respect the genius that is Spike Lee.
Mz.Jonezy
