>Spike Lee didn't become such a big name because all critics
>and white people hate him. "A Spike Lee Joint" wouldn't be
>mentioned in all the ads for his films if it drove people
>away.

So, there was an entire 'Charlie Rose' episode dedicated to Spike Lee's depiction of Italians in 'Summer of Sam'.

Apparently critics felt that Spike Lee made that film for the sole purpose of ridiculing the Italian community. There was a big New York Post article about it, and flames ensued. Just google Spike Lee, Italians, and Summer of Sam.

Here's a glimpse.

http://slate.msn.com/id/31510/

http://www.politicalusa.com/columnists/schlussel/schlussel_016.htm

http://www.capmag.com/article.asp?ID=2368

A New York Post journalist was on the Charlie Rose show ridiculing Spike for making the film. Mira Sorvino and John Leguizamo had to come on the show, and talked about how not only was Spike the best director they ever worked with, but that the charges were ridiculous. Sorvino is Italian herself, and didn't find the film at all disrespectful.

Lee himself was also interviewed, and instead of discussing his new film, he had to defend against claims that he was racist.

The bottom line is the film is #455 on the list of movies that depict Italians in a less than glowing light. Try Goodfellas or the Godfather for a stereotypical depiction of Italians. Not the Spike Lee joint.

And the bottom-er line is that NO DIRECTOR HAS TO PUT UP WITH SHIT LIKE THIS film after film after film after film. Spike Lee has to deal with it all the time.

So you are wrong. As usual.

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