Just when we thought we’d seen the last of Italian-American slurs in television, the new Netflix series Tires reminds us that the practice of making fun of this ethnic group is still alive and well. Created by comedian Shane Gillis alongside John McKeever and Steve Gerben, the show makes frequent use of one slur in particular: Wops.
This is seen in the very first episode of the series when Will, a main character in the show who works at his family’s auto-repair shop, exclaims “Oh no. The wops.” This remark is made as two salesmen from Andiamo Auto Sales named Schulz and Tommy approach the Valley Forge Automotive Center due to Will’s concern that they may say something offensive during a visit from a local reporter.
His worries turn out to be justified when the two storm in during a later conversation between Will and the reporter as they discuss the shop’s new inclusion initiative centered around women. He repeats the same phrase just before Schulz and Tommy begin to inappropriately discuss a new female hire in front of them, essentially exposing his desire to make women feel more comfortable as disingenuous.
The slur is also echoed by Will’s cousin, Shane, who announces to Schulz and Tommy: “No wops out front. It’s a no-go zone for you guys.”
This isn’t the only instance of the term being deployed in the series. In Episode 4, after Schulz and Tommy laugh hysterically as Shane retells the rumors he has circulated around the different Valley Forge stores at Will’s expense, Will quickly tries to clap back by saying “All right, wops!” In response, Schultz urges him to “Watch your mouth with that wops.”
Also, when discussing the potential of the store being shut down due to poor sales, the Andiamo salesmen even offer Shane a job in the event that he becomes unemployed, to which he replies “Me? Working for a bunch of greasy wops?”
It is worth noting that Andrew Schulz is not even of Italian ancestry, while Tommy Pope is of Italian descent on his father’s side and Irish on his mother’s side. Yet, this doesn’t stop the two from acting stereotypically throughout the series. Perhaps the most obvious stereotype they play into is the one that dictates that Italians are obnoxiously loud, which perfectly describes a commercial they create that Schulz and Tommy deem successful due to its memorability. In the ad, Schulz yells: “Come down to Andiamo Auto Sales! Our prices are low! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! You name it, we got it!”
This isn’t Andrew Schulz’s first time playing an Italian character either, formerly taking on the role of Angelo in the film Feast of the Seven Fishes. In a world where it is considered unacceptable for members of one ethnic group to portray another, let alone use racial slurs to refer to them, it makes you wonder why this practice is still tolerated when depicting Italians in Hollywood.
The show should be shut down!
Just like others that feel discriminated against.
I dought they would feel good if people were making fun of their family
I agree with you completely. I find this very offensive.
I am less concerned about language than I am about the constant portrayal of Italicans as salt of the earth, “dese, dems, and dose” guys. No physicians, professors, or engineers — only butchers and bakers — or thugs.
Both are disgusting. They to together. Most Italian American can’t see this. It’s sad.
Stop this. It used to be impossible to offend Italians. Don’t get all sensitive on me. One of the best qualities we have is the ability to laugh at ourselves. We’re probably the only group left that can. We can’t lose that. It’s one of the most important things that sets us apart. That makes us who we are. This slow slide into acting like everyone else should concern every Italian. We’re different. We’re the best. Don’t fuck that up nitpicking over this trivial bullshit.
Exactly. I’m
First gen Italian. N lived in Italy n habe an Italian degree from Ohio state. N I saw the Netflix series tires and thought it was absolutely hilarious. I actually laughed my ass off when I heard them
Say “wops”. We are all so damned sensitive today. I agree laugh. It’s one of our best qualities. I didnt get offended at all. Who cares? We know who we are!!!!! Yea are loud? Damned right? I live it being brought back. N Diego’s too.
Oh, boy, the old “learn how to laugh at yourselves” response. Since you used the F bomb, I’ll forego politeness and put it to you in a way you might understand: When you say, “we know how to laugh at ourselves,” you’re really saying, “We know how to bend over and let you kick us in the ass–and make us like it!” Have you no pride?
There’s a difference between laughing at a joke and constantly being the butt of a joke. Calling Italian Americans “wops” is an example of being the butt of the joke. It is the same word used by Anglo bigots in New Orleans before lynching 12 Italians in 1891.
Know your history, butt-head! Please visit http://www.stereotypethis.com
Let’s not become like other ethnic groups lighten up Jesus Christ !!!! It’s reality on how it was and what this country is it happened to all ethnic groups
This show is reviving a term used BACK IN THE PAST to insult Italian Americans. Why would you defend that? If Italian Americans have “moved on,” so should everyone else.