OSIA
Supports H.R. 2442 B
Wartime Violations of Italian American Civil Liberties
Act
Info
Sheet
| Summary | Bill
Text | Press
Release
For
Immediate Release. Contact: Diane E. Crespy, (202) 547-2900
OSIA
Denounces "Wrongful Misrepresentation" of Italian
Americans
National
Executive Director Testifies Before House Judiciary
Committee on World War II Violations Act
Washington, D.C., Oct.
26, 1999 -- The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) criticized
the continuous defamation of Italian Americans in film and on television
today when OSIA National Executive Director Dr. Philip Piccigallo appeared
before the Subcommittee on the Constitution of the House Judiciary Committee
to testify on behalf of OSIA's endorsement of H.R. 2442, the Wartime
Violations of Italian American Civil Liberties Act, which calls on the
president and the U.S. government to acknowledge the violation of Italian
Americans' basic human rights during World War II.
"We have here a clear
case of wrongful misrepresentation, and it is offensive to all Italian
Americans," Piccigallo said during the hearing, held in the Rayburn
House Office Building, referring to the story of Italian Americans during
World War II that is neither included in history books or taught in
schools. Piccigallo added that, despite his doctorate in American history
and his two published books covering this period of time, he had been
unaware of the forced evacuation and other violations.
During World War II more
than 600,000 Italian Americans were moved to internment camps or forced
to remain within five miles of their home; subjected to curfews; lost
their jobs; had radios, flashlights, and other everyday items confiscated;
put on trial; and treated as a threat to national security despite the
lack of any evidence indicating they were involved in espionage.
"Similarly, today,
we deal with a seemingly ever expanding reality of wrongful misrepresentation
of Italian Americans in the form of continuous stereotyping and defamation
by the American entertainment industry," Piccigallo continued.
"This past July, the New York Times wrote that 'Italian
Americans are the Stereotype Hollywood Can't Refuse,' and certainly
the Times is correct. Instances of such stereotyping and defamation
are everywhere in our present society, and we are constantly besieged
by complaints and reports from OSIA members and other Italian Americans.
These and other wrongful misrepresentations hurt, impede, stigmatize,
damage reputations and obstruct opportunities. Perhaps more than any
other, this is the compelling reason to enact HR 2442."
Piccigallo added, "[OSIA
does not necessarily believe] there is heroism or nobility in victimization.
Heroism and nobility are to be found, however, in truth and in rescuing
an important series of events from historical oblivion. This is a major
reason why [this bill] is so significant."
Piccigallo's testimony
emphasized the role that OSIA has played in bringing this dark period
of history to light. For many years OSIA has supported the effort, with
a traveling exhibit called "Una Storia Segreta," "A
Secret Story," that was put together in the early 1990s by OSIA
members from California. OSIA has also provided financial backing, sponsoring
the trip of OSIA members Rose Scudero, Joe Ardent, and Lawrence DiStasi
to Washington, D.C., in July to take part in a press conference held
by Reps. Rick Lazio (R-N.Y.) and Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), the sponsors
of H.R. 2442, in House Majority Leader Dick Armey's (R-Texas) office.
"I am not Italian,
but I have a profound admiration for their contributions to our country,"
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Henry Hyde (R-Ill.) said prior to
hearing testimony. "...The truth has to be told ... this is only
the beginning." After the testimony, Hyde said he would do what
he could to see that the testimonials are given to schools and writers
across the country so "the light can shine in."
OSIA member Rose Scudero
was a child in Pittsburgh, Calif., when she, her mother, and her sisters
were removed from their home and relocated. She recounted the story
to the committee, explaining the fear and uncertainty she felt; she
even gave some of her possessions away to friends because she did not
know if she would ever be back.
Lazio and Engel opened
up the hearing with testimony explaining their decision to create the
bill. "We owe it to the Italian-American community, especially
those who endured these abuses, to recognize the injustices of the past.
Documentation and education about the suffering of all groups of Americans
who face persecution is important in order to ensure that no group's
civil liberties are ever violated again," Engel said.
Others present to testify
were Doris L. Pinza, wife of the late opera singer Ezio Pinza who was
arrested because of his alien status, and ironically after his release
sang the Star Spangled Banner during a welcoming home ceremony for Gens.
Patton and Doolittle; Colonel Angelo de Guttadauro, whose father was
served an Expulsion Order, lost his job and forced to move away from
his family; Domenick DiMaggio, brother of the late Joe DiMaggio, whose
parents were declared enemy aliens while he was in the U.S. Navy; Lawrence
Di Stasi, historian and project director of "Una Storia Segreta;"
Anthony E. La Piana, representative of the National Italian American
Council; and Matthew DiDomenico Sr., executive vice president of the
National Italian American Foundation.
Founded in 1905, OSIA
is the largest organization representing the nation's 26 million Italian
Americans, with 550,000 members across the country. OSIA and its anti-defamation
arm, the Commission for Social Justice (CSJ), have long been champions
of the fight against prejudice and negative stereotyping that continually
plague Americans of Italian descent.
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