Immediate Press Release Italian American One Voice Coalition (IAOVC) Praises New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo for Taking a Stand Against Defamation: Places Him in the “IAOVC Wall of Fame” The Italian American One Voice Coalition, the only nationwide group dedicated solely to fighting Italian American defamation, is praising New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo for supporting the New York Racing Association’s decision to ban a food truck with the outrageously offensive name: “The Wandering Dago,” and supporting the NYRA decision to re-enforce the ban in court. IAOVC formally lodged complaints against the food truck, which now has also been banned from the state plaza in Albany due to its offensive name and menu. According to IAOVC President and Executive Board Chairman, Dr. Emanuele Alfano, “The Wandering Dago” offends Americans of all ethnicities, not only by their outrageous name and truck graphics, but their highly insensitive menu names, such as “The Polack,” Mic and Cheese and “Dago.” It is the position of the owners of the business that these are “endearing names” remembered from their childhood! But Alfano questions such statements, since the word “dago” has had a negative connotation since the mass immigration in the late 18th century. “These names are derogatory and reinforce negative stereotypical images of Italian Americans. They are unacceptable,” said Alfano. Alfano went on to say he intended to continue the fight if The Wandering Dago appeared in other government sponsored locales. Governor Cuomo vocally supported the decision of NYRA Deputy Secretary for Gaming and Racing, Bennett Liebman, and now the matter is headed for court. Liebman said he based his decision on complaints he received, which would have included IAOVC’s. Governor Andrew Cuomo has been a vocal defender of the Italian American image, as has been his father, Former Governor Mario Cuomo, who was the target of many offensive actions and comments during this terms in elective office and during the time he considered a run for the presidency. Alfano said he was pleased that this respect for cultural heritage has continued in the character of his son, Governor Andrew Cuomo. For this reason, and for taking a stand against the offensive “Wandering Dago” IAOVC has placed Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Wall of Fame, IAOVC’s highest honor, for continuing the fight against the perpetual negative stereotypes and defamation of Italian Americans. For further information, Contact: Sebastian D’Elia Director of Communications, IAOVC
Posted on: Wed, 09 Oct 2013 05:20:47 +0000
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