Well first of all I need people not to ASSume I am basing it on a stereotype.
Second, I'm basing it on information I have learned about the families.

I am not ASSuming, I directly asked you what makes them mafia in your OPINION as you made a statement. You haven't answered PmMama or me, just said you had information. What is this information you read?

Why not share this information so you can back up what you're saying? She's Italian, I have done coursework on the subject, enlighten us, there is a reason we're asking.

I have no clue whether these people are in the mafia, obviously, but the Manzos (Caroline and Dina) are related to Tiny Manzo (he's their father-in-law), who also owned and operated the banquet hall that they now run. He had mafia ties...until he was horribly murdered and left in a trunk. That's not to say that any of these women are married to men in the mafia, but it is an interesting tie.

And then there's Danielle...who's like a wannabe mobster based on her past...

I've done coursework on the subject, too, although primarily Irish organized crime.

I already did. You ASSumed they were mobsters.

Anyone can have ties to the mafia. Just because you have mafia friends doesn't mean you're involved. And if that's the case, let's just say the UAW is a mafia organization since they have/had mafia ties.

Jimmy Hoffa-- Mafia ties. Not mafia. If that makes sense.

That's why I said I have no way of knowing if these people are involved in the mafia. That was the opening sentence to my post.

No, I want you to quote a post that I wrote where I SPECIFICALLY said that because they were Italian and had NJ accents, that this is what made them mob. I'm still waiting for you to do that. Until you can do that, you should probably refrain from making such an accusation.

My post wasn't being sarcastic. Sorry if it came out that way. :o

And we want you to answer WHY you thought they were mob? I never said that you said that, but A) they ARE Italian. B) they have NJ accents. So what else would make you think they are mafia?

Ahhh ok, sorry for the confusion! I totally misread it.

Good for you. Way to backtrack now. Next time you should ask what made me say that instead of jumping in and telling me why I said it.

And while we're at it, let's talk about the fact that while you accuse ME of having stereotypes, based on the statement in bold, you just showed that YOU are the one with the stereotypes. The fact that they are Italian and have NJ accents is the least of my concern. In fact only a couple of them have accents in my opinion.

No, I'm basing my statement on information I came across about the families. I also know poeple in that area who have given me some scoop.

I didn't backtrack. I stated my thoughts. You LOVE putting words into people's threads don't you? I've seen you do it elsewhere.

Those aren't MY stereotypes. Those are stereotypes that people use to come up with the conclusion that someone is mafia.

And I'm sorry but I really don't believe that you know peopel in the area and they gave you info. I think you got called out.

This is now my second request for you to share the source (link to a website for example) of your information. PM_Mama00 has also asked this. Instead of getting defensive and deflecting, just tell us. Knowing people is anecdotal evidence, and you mentioned information you came across before you claimed you knew people in the area.

If I am incorrect I apologize, but you are in law school, aren't you? Don't they teach you how to research and back up your statements? Just cite your sources, that's all we're asking (and this happens all over GC, check out the Risk Management forum and how Kevin runs things). Speculating is fine, but don't state things as fact and then not back it up.

I know I'm catching reruns, but have you all already discussed the "gaylord" conflict? I missed the joke he was trying to make. I thought "gaylord faulker" when I heard him say it.

Maybe the same references that made a lot of people think they are mafia. (not having read all of deepimpact's posts, I will just assume she doesn't really have the inside scoop :p)

The initial commercials highlighted the "we are family...don't mess with us" theme and it discussed the family owned business. Many people thought about the stereotypical Sopranos and Italian family references.

The media took it and ran with it, I think for publicity's sake, and The View even asked the ladies about it.

What if some same statements were made by people with Fargo accents? I think a lot of it has to do with location and regional speech and dialect. People in North Dakota care about their families and likely behave in similar ways, but it just isn't as good tv to fight over tractors, heads of cattle, or failing your 4-H project. There are controlling parents and large families everywhere, the bling and the accents make for good tv.

I promise if I marry a rich oil man or a guy who owns a fleet of commercial fishing vessels I'll totally be on the "Real Housewives, Arctic Circle" and shoot animals while wearing something designer.

Oh I don't really care. LOL. People know the stereotypes, so it is what it is.

The Real Housewives promoters also know the stereotypes and played on the images to get people intrigued. "Oooooh! There's a MAFIA FAMILY!!! Exciting!"

omg! scandelous!

Lol most Italian families have the same sentiment. I love The View but I really doubt they'd actually answer if they were mafia lol. I still think this will be my favorite "season". I did like the NY girls and the OC girls. I couldn't stand the Atlanta girls.

:) Yes, it is cultural, and is considered unique to cultures where generations of families have withstood migration and other social outcomes.

But, put that sentiment with a Northern accent and some Italian-sounding music in the background...bahdabah-bahdabing! (sound effects to denote stereotype)

I agree. I can't even watch ATL reruns.

Wow, what a show! I watched all of them last night and made the ASSumption ;) based upon certain things, that perhaps, some are "connected".

One thing I found kind of "mob-like" was the fact that the one lady paid for her entire house full of furniture with $120,000+ in cash that she had in her wallet. I mean, really, who does that?? Then, when the furniture was delivered, her husband (who's in "construction" and btw, I really like after the dancing lessons :)) walked in looking like a character straight out of a modern day mob movie - wife beater t-shirt, tattoos on his arms, built like a truck, and paid the delivery guys with a wad of cash.. I may totally be off base, but he has that "vibe".

Then, the whole family banquet business - the entire family lives like Sultans - so unless they are hosting some REALLY over the top events where they are marking up the costs by 1000%, I just don't see how they can be bringing in that kind of dough.

The kinds of houses they live in are multi million dollar homes, decorated to the nines. These people didn't inherit their wealth (their grammar would be much better by this time if they were multi-generational money), they aren't NY investment bankers or partners in law firms, none are high muckety mucks at multi-national corporations, they aren't oil men who struck it rich, etc. Where does that kind of money come from?

I have a friend, who I've known for years, from Long Island. I know she is "connected" (but I won't say her name because it is extremely google-able ;)). Her dad is in "construction", she works for him as does her entire family, brothers, sisters, uncles, etc., but none of them actually do any work. They seem extremely similar in their behavior and spending patterns as these folks. My friend always pays in cash too, and she always pays for everyone at the table!! Caroline even reminds me of her mom, controlling, but loving, and always cooking for a crowd :)

So, maybe these gals are playing it up like they are mafia for entertainment value, or maybe they really are. Who really knows? But I like the show, and I like the people in it!

srmom - I think I remember Theresa saying (in the preview/first episode) that her husband was a successful entrepreneur so maybe his business is just really bringing in the dough? I find it really funny that they pull out wads of cash everytime they are going to pay for something though.

Also, I don't think multi-generational money automatically = great grammar and great dress. Just like 'they' say money can't buy you class or whatever. If they talk a certain way, it is probably because their family before them spoke that way... and people tend to emulate what they know and their surroundings.

Wads of cash are always silly when you are at venues that take cards.

"I'm about to buy a new car...hmmm...let me be a tool and get out thousands of dollars from the bank."

Yep--especially if the multi-generations of money are blue collar rather than educated and what would traditionally be considered upper middle class.

I love how Theresa's husband is "successful" but then when they showed his "offices" in episode one it didn't look like much was going on there. His desk appeared to be practically on top of another one in that little hole in the wall office space. They didn't even have a nice sign outside. From the looks of it, whatever he does doesn't require those types of "airs" just for the office. But it could look a little more professional.

My dad has a jar that he puts all his pocket change in for the year. He gives it to us to pay for things like vacations and Christmas presents. That is the only time I walk around with tons of cash. And yes, it's a kinda douche-y feeling (especially when it's mostly dollar bills!):D But at least we get to buy those things.

As for the event facility, those events are really large scale and opulent so I would understand why Caroline's branch has wealth. Dina's wedding was held there and was on Platinum Weddings and OMG they had cigar bars, ice bars, dessert tables, and more. They even served breakfast-now that's a wedding!

We use our petty cash for petty things like groceries, cash for trips, and the cheaper gifts. If you have a $100+ expense at a store, it seems douche-y to pull out wads of hundreds. LOL.

How about Theresa not even blinking an eye at the $120,000+ bill for furniture, and then pulling out the wad of cash and peeling off the $100's!!! I nearly choked! That can't be a common occurrance at many furniture stores!!

I guess it's true that if multi-generational money comes from blue-collar workers, grammar may not improve. I have just been under the impression that usually it is expected that the future generations will benefit from the money with better educational opportunites (look at Albie - he's not only really cute, but is educated :)). But, I guess it's certainly not the same for all...

That would annoy me if I was the "cashier." LOL. Counting all that cash? Lame.

Some will get an education. But, if they spend the majority of their time around those they grew up around, they will hold onto the grammar and other things unless they make a conscious effort to let those things go.

Theresa mentioned that they pay for everything in cash because the recession. IDK what the difference is between paying in cash or credit...but whatevs

Some places give a discount for paying cash, especially if you're buying a house full of furniture and other design elements.

I personally wouldn't pay cash for large or expensive items because I like the added consumer protection that comes with using a credit card, and can just transfer the money to pay the card off.

I think Theresa's oldest daughter was a complete snot last night. I'm not sure if she's supposed to come off as cute, but she just seemed spoiled and like she'll be a complete bitch when she's 16.

Welcome to an east-coast Italian wedding.

You guys are all cracking me up. These aren't MOB things. This is how people of this culture (Italian in this case) do things over there. The weddings are huge and elaborate and the average per plate price is $175... for just your general wedding type food. I wish someone else from Jersey or NY would come on here and back me up.

And I'm sorry if northerners who come from old money aren't all prim and proper like southern old money. After being a member of Greekchat, I thank God that I wasn't raised like half of you. Even being raised in a closed-minded, old-country Sicilian family, I can still respect and not assume things about other cultures. Just because you saw it on the Sopranos or The Godfather, doesn't mean it's mob.

I guess you exposure east coast old money is different than mine. Everyone I know would be utterly mortified if someone from my family acted like any of those people on the show.

I don't think any of them are as wealthy as they portray. And who the hell carries around $100,000 in CASH!

I did not mean to imply mob affiliation. I meant quite the opposite. That they have money because the weddings at their facility are so elaborate and expensive.

I have not had the pleasure of going to a wedding like that because all my friends are not so well off, but hopefully one day I'll be able to roll with the best of them. If not, then my daughter's quincenera or sweet sixteen (whichever one she chooses) is going to be "off the chain". I'll make sure of it.

Most of us know this.

We are talking about stereotypes and media imagery. The question was what brought about the mob rumor. I believe that Bravo and the families knew what popular images they were playing with.

I just wanted to quote this soapbox. LOL.

My dad was born and raised in New Jersey...but he isn't Italian so he hasn't really experienced any of this.


and in case anyone didn't know yet both Teresa and Jacqueline are pregnant.

Jersey through and through. I find all of this hilarious. Granted this is also North Jersey, and as a shore girl I'm a little critical, especially when they invade my turf. :p

This made me think of MTV's depiction of the Jersey shore. Yikes.

ETA: The "yikes" is aimed at MTV and not Jersey shore people.

I swear it's like night and day around here. One minute I'm being slammed because I DO provide sources (apparently that is "pathetic", the next minute I'm being slammed because I haven't provided sources. Make up your minds.

At any rate, I'm actually in shock that no one else heard about the family connections to the mob. You can even read about it if you do a simple google search. In fact that you probably be better because then you can pick your own sources. All the stuff you all mention in relation to why people might think they are mob is stuff that I don't know anything about. I haven't seen The View, I haven't seen any commercials with slogans or anything of the like.


On another note, I am upset that I forgot to watch this week's episode. Hopefully I will be able to catch a repeat.

Okay maybe that is YOUR sterepotype. Most people I know don't use those things you mentioned as a "guideline" for saying someone is Mob. They typically base it on information such as occupation, family and friend associations, knowledge of dealings with "members" of mob families. Things like that. Your NJ-accent-Italian "thing" is just...baffling.

lol to learn about a culture and have questions is one thing. I've learned A LOT on Greekchat and I try to understand. I think I've "grown up" a lot on here in terms of my opinions.

Ok just re-read the link that was posted in the first post. I thought Teresa was part of the family too somehow?

I have never been involved in any thread or discussion with you where this has been a problem, if I had done this I wouldn't ask, but I did, and you don't want to provide them. I could do a google search, but you're the one making statements and I want to see what you've come up with, if I wanted to support myself I can do that as I previously stated I've done coursework on the history of organized crime in America. You have the opportunity to provide me with information I don't have, if you don't want to do that be Bobby Brown as it is your prerogative. I also haven't watched The View. I am asking YOU because YOU made statements.