FAIRFIELD, N.J., Oct. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — UNICO National, the nation's largest Italian American service and charitable organization, is publicly denouncing the recent comments made by Chuck Todd, host of NBC's Meet the Press. In a recent discussion on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" cable program, Todd specifically referred to the New York 11th District Congressional race between Michael Grimm and Domenic Recchia as "…a fight between mob families." Both Recchia and Grimm are of Italian heritage.
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"Our organization has a long history of defending against stereotypical and degrading references of Italian Americans," stated Richard D'Arminio, UNICO National President. "It is very disturbing to see a prominent TV host on a major network use such a denigrating and hurtful reference." D'Arminio is communicating with other Italian American organizations to join in denouncing Todd and NBC. He commented, "I am pleased that the Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition brought this affront to our attention, and we join with ONE VOICE and other organizations in taking a stand against these types of attacks on our heritage."
It is apparent that even Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe" show where Todd made the "mob" comment, was immediately concerned about the slur – "I disassociate myself from those comments! Holy cow!"
"Chuck Todd should be ashamed of himself," commented Andre' DiMino, Executive Director of UNICO National. "It is unbelievable that such an ignorant statement would be made by someone in such a prominent position – would he make such a stereotypical comment about any other ethnicity?" He continued, "UNICO National was founded in 1922 to positively counteract discrimination against Italian Americans. Here we are 92 years later and we are still facing ugly stereotypical comments by the media. What a disgrace!"
UNICO National, the nation's largest Italian American service organization, with local chapters throughout the United States, was founded in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1922. Its volunteer members support charitable, educational, and community service projects while promoting Italian heritage and combating negative stereotyping. For information or to join UNICO National call 973-808-0035 or visit unico.org.
Contact: Andre' DiMino
Executive Director
UNICO NATIONAL
973-808-0035
Cell: 201-739-6000