Italian American radical culture in New York City: The politics and arts of the sovversivi, 1890--1940.
Item
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Title
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Italian American radical culture in New York City: The politics and arts of the sovversivi, 1890--1940.
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Identifier
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AAI3103082
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identifier
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3103082
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Creator
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Bencivenni, Marcella.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Philip V. Cannistraro
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Date
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2003
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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History, United States | Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies
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Abstract
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This dissertation joins a recent body of scholarship in recovering the "lost world" of Italian American radicalism and correcting the distortions and omissions of earlier historiography. While specialists in the field have focused their attention on the political and organizational aspects of Italian American radicalism, this is the first study that specifically investigates its culture. Combining a variety of qualitative and quantitative sources---from the personal papers of radical leaders, to their press, arts, and literature---this work recreates the milieu, activities, and dreams of an exceptional group of revolutionaries (collectively called sovversivi, rebels) who fought tirelessly to improve the conditions of life of their community and the working class. Contrary to prevalent views of Italian immigrants as anti-intellectual, materialist, and apolitical, the sovversivi displayed not only a great interest for politics but also a high aesthetic and literary sensitivity. Besides political parties, unions, and working-class organizations, they engaged in wide range of cultural and recreational activities. And in addition to political pamphlets and manifestos, they generated a wealth of artistic and literary works: short stories, poems, plays, drawings, and cartoons. This dissertation focuses on this rich cultural arena, providing an in-depth analysis of the cultural forms through which Italian American radicals voiced their political beliefs.;The organization of the dissertation reflects the multifaceted nature of Italian American radicalism and adopts mostly a thematic format. Chapter one provides a synopsis of the Italian American radical movement in New York City from its origins to the Second World War, and presents a social portrait of the main leaders. The subsequent chapters explore the most important cultural forms and institutions of the sovversivi's radical politics: the press, literature, poetry, theater, and cartoons. The epilogue serves as a conclusion, explaining the demise of Italian American radicalism.;By restoring the traditions, ideas, and art of the sovversivi, this dissertation will enrich the field of Italian American history and immigration studies, bringing attention to hitherto ignored themes and sources, stimulating comparisons with other ethnic groups, and offering an array of hypothesis that can be tested and expanded in future historical and cultural studies.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
