Olive Grrrls: Italian American Women & The Search For Identity

Short Summary

Jersey Shore, Brooklyn 11223, and Mama’s Boys of the Bronx are currently the only representations of Italian Americans in our culture. So, if you’re Italian American you have very few positive images to identify with, and if you’re a woman, these positive images are even less. According to current media, all 20-something Italian American women are loud, brash, idiotic, overtly sexual, and materialistic.

It’s time to take back our voice. 

I am of Italian descent, and I lived in Rome for 6 months. While in Rome, I completed a research project on Italian women's responses to visual culture. It was a truly informative project.  

After this experience, I attended grad school for Women's & Gender Studies at DePaul University. While at DePaul, I had my first vision about this project. I had to put it on the backburner, however, while I finished my thesis. 

Now that I have the time, (and the contributors!), I am really, really wanting to complete this project. To my knowledge, there isn't anything out there regarding Italian American women and feminism, thus, I feel like there is a definite need for this.

What We Need & What You Get

I was laid off in January, so I am unable to use any of my own funds (it wouldn't be enough, anyways) to complete this book. The funds I receive through this project will go towards making this book a reality.

Basic self-publishing costs include purchasing ISBN numbers, editing, various website registration costs and legal fees. Those items total roughly $1,000. Other costs include cover art, campaign fees and on-demand printing fees (including shipping), $2,500.

If I don’t reach my goal, I will use the funds that are contributed to every aspect I possibly can on furthering the publication of this book.

The Impact
There aren’t enough books out there sharing the Italian American feminist perspective. I believe we have something to say, and I believe the interest is there. The book will impact feminist studies as well as cultural studies. Academic and non-academic individuals will find value in this book. We can always find value in someone else’s perspective. 

Other Ways You Can Help
I understand that many of you are probably in the same (unemployment) boat as myself. Even if you can’t contribute financially, just getting the word out about my project would be amazing.