Italian Folk: Vernacular Culture in Italian-American Lives (Critical Studies in Italian America)

**Dive into the Rich Tapestry of Italian-American Culture: Unveiling the Hidden Stories in *Italian Folk: Vernacular Culture in Italian-American Lives*** Beyond the stereotypical images of Sunday dinners and familiar cultural tropes lies a vibrant and complex world of Italian-American identity. *Italian Folk: Vernacular Culture in Italian-American Lives*, edited by Joseph Sciorra, meticulously unravels the threads of this identity, moving beyond superficial portrayals to explore the lived experiences, traditions, and transformations that define the Italian-American experience. This compelling collection of essays delves into the often-overlooked realm of folklore local knowledge, aesthetic practices, and expressive behaviors to reveal the creative and meaningful ways Italian Americans shape and express their identity. Sciorra, a leading scholar in Italian-American studies and folklore, brings together a diverse group of voices to examine how these traditions are not relics of the past, but dynamic forces constantly being reinterpreted and reimagined in the face of ever-changing social, economic, and political landscapes. *Italian Folk* challenges the simplistic notion of assimilation as a linear progression. Instead, it presents a nuanced picture of identity formation as a process of negotiation, conflict, and creative adaptation. From the vibrant sounds of valtaro accordion music to the captivating narratives of Sicilian oral poetry, and from the communal spectacle of Columbus Day parades to the enduring allure of witchcraft (stregheria), the essays showcase the remarkable resilience and ingenuity of Italian Americans in maintaining their cultural heritage while forging a unique identity in a new world. The book transcends geographical boundaries, examining cultural expressions and religious practices across the United States and Canada. It explores how these practices operate on local, national, and transnational levels, connecting individuals to their families, neighborhoods, and the wider Italian diaspora. It also examines the impact of modern technology, and looks at how the Internet and other media are used to create and nurture fleeting communities that were impossible before. *Italian Folk* is more than just an academic study; it's a journey into the heart of Italian-American life. It's an invitation to reconsider preconceived notions and to appreciate the richness and complexity of a culture that continues to evolve and inspire. The book provides new understanding of how individuals and groups reproduce and contest identities and ideologies through expressive means, exploring the continual process of identity revaluation and reformation. It examines how Italian Americans abandon, reproduce, and/or revive various cultural elements in relationship to ever-shifting political, economic, and social conditions. Whether you're a scholar of Italian-American studies, a student of folklore, or simply curious about the diverse tapestry of American culture, *Italian Folk* offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the Italian-American experience. Prepare to be challenged, enlightened, and moved by the stories within these pages. The book, published by Fordham University Press, is an illustrated paperback of 288 pages. The book is part of the 'Critical Studies in Italian America' series and was published in 2010.