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.