Why You Rarely See Stereotypical Italians in Wattpad Mafia Stories

The portrayal of the Mafia in Wattpad stories often deviates from traditional representations of Italian culture for several reasons. This article explores these reasons and sheds light on the origin and usage of the term 'Mafia', providing a comprehensive insight into this cultural phenomenon.

Cultural Stereotypes and Audience Appeal

Many Wattpad stories, especially on themes of crime and mystery, focus on the dramatic and romanticized aspects of the Mafia. This leads to a more generalized or sensationalized depiction of characters, often far from accurate representations of Italian culture.

Furthermore, the desire for broad appeal can also cause writers to prioritize themes of romance, power dynamics, or action over cultural authenticity. Consequently, characters that fit a more universal archetype are more common, rather than specific cultural identities.

Character Archetypes and Globalization of the Genre

Writers often draw on archetypes such as the brooding anti-hero or the dangerous love interest, which may not align with traditional Italian stereotypes. This further contributes to the deviation from authentic portrayals. The Mafia genre has been globally popularized through films, TV shows, and literature, leading to adaptations that may not reflect Italian characteristics but instead draw from various influences or genres.

The Origin of the Word "Mafia"

The term 'Mafia' has its roots in 19th-century Sicily, where it was used to describe men as 'mafiuso' or 'mafioso.' According to scholar Diego Gambetta, 'maffiusa' in Sicilian can also mean 'beautiful or attractive' when referring to a woman. Scholars believe the term 'mafia' itself evolved from Arabic influences, although this is not definitively proven.

It's important to note that Sicilian is considered a separate language from Standard Italian and has been shaped by the island's strategic location in the Mediterranean, which made it a hub for various cultures over centuries. This has contributed to a unique language recognized as a minority language by UNESCO.

The Widespread Usage of the Term "Mafia"

The term 'Mafia' has transcended its original meaning and is now used to describe many organized crime syndicates around the world. For example, the Corsican Mafia, Unione Corse, is an organized crime syndicate on the island of Corsica, which, like Sicily, has a history of conquest and control over trade routes.

The term can also be used to insult any close-knit group by outsiders. A notable instance is the 'Irish Mafia', which refers to the close advisors of John F. Kennedy during his campaigns. Even a TV series called 'The Casmir Mafia' appeared in 2001, depicting a tight circle of successful female friends seeking guidance and support.

Furthermore, it has been used as a derogatory term for women in a work setting who are accused of driving each other to success. A popular example is the 'Fighter Mafia', a group of Air Force and civilians who advocated for fighter design criteria in opposition to military design boards in the 1960s and 1970s.

Overall, the term 'Mafia' has a rich and varied history and usage, reflecting both its origins in Italian culture and its global significance in contemporary discourse.