Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
5-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Program
Liberal Studies
Advisor
George Fragopoulos
Subject Categories
American Studies | Ethnic Studies | History | Race and Ethnicity | Race, Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies | Social History
Keywords
race, ethnicity, Italian Americans, Columbus, identity
Abstract
This thesis explores the relationship between ethnicity and race, “whiteness,” in the American racial system through the lens of Italian/Americans. Firstly, it overviews the current scholarship on Italian/Americans and whiteness. Secondly, it analyzes methodologies that are useful for understanding race in an American context. Thirdly, it presents a case study on the Columbus symbol and the battle over identity that arose out of, and continues over, this symbol. Finally, this thesis provides suggestions using the case study and methodologies to open up new ways of understanding Italian/Americans and the American racial system.
Recommended Citation
Cerulli, Stephen J., "Italian/Americans and the American Racial System: Contadini to Settler Colonists?" (2019). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/3178
Included in
American Studies Commons, Ethnic Studies Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social History Commons