This letter has been changed on Friday, May 29.
I am more than concerned over a recent political mailer utilizing an ethnic stereotype to smear their opponent, I am indignant.
Negative ethnic stereotypes are a form of racism and their use in politics crosses the boundary line of acceptable political tactics. Across our great country, rather than fostering harmony and respect for all, people are being divided by race, creed and ethnicity and incited into actions that have led to riots, looting and outright violence.
It has now invaded West Milford and must not be allowed to continue.
In this particular mailer, negative Italian stereotypes have been utilized. I'm a proud American of Italian descent. My grandparents and parents persevered to overcome racism and stereotypes. It's an outrage that we have politicians here in West Milford that will use these despicable stereotypes in an attempt to smear their opponents. Their application of stereotypes to Italians amounts to anti- Italianism. If the same were done to African Americans it would be labeled racist. To women? Sexist. Their candidate, who is of Sicilian descent, must be desperate to totally disgrace his heritage, his ancestors and West Milford.
I fully intend to engage the Anti-Bias Committee of UNICO as their organization has taken a lead position in combating the negative stereotype of Italian Americans, in the electronic and the print media.
What should be even more disconcerting to our residents: the registered address of the organization that sent the mailer is that of Matt Conlon, a former West Milford School Board trustee.
Michael Siesta
West Milford Resident and
A proud American of Italian descent