Hey Superman, I'm a second generation American, my parents were born here but their parents born in Italy.
So, I'm Italian on both sides, I'm not a jealous or possessive woman because I figured that if my boyfriends (in the past) or even husband considered cheating on me, I wouldn't want that kind of person in my life and I'd rather toss him to the curb, I wouldn't waste my time fighting over him. Even after 29 yrs of marriage.
Like every culture you have A$$holes, and people with 'bad tempers' or worse. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Please don't judge us by those stupid TV shows ... I would never associate myself with such low lives. (such as Jersey Shore) Even Italy doesn't welcome them there.
The Italian families I've been raised with are wonderful people, just as proud of their heritage as anyone else, their warm, and loyal to one another and their friends.
We're a little dramatic, ok and maybe a little loud, and I've clashed with a few obnoxious types myself, but we're also passionate and generally family orientated as well. More than I can say for some people regardless of their nationality.
In short, if your lucky enough to become involved with a nice person, from a decent respectable family (who just happen to be Italian lol) than your ahead of the game, because today it seems like it's hard to find that. I tell my son to look closely at the "FAMILY" you marry into as well as the girl, because you MARRY THEM ALL!! and they will always be in your life.
I also tell him, and you may laugh, Super, but the best way to check them all out is at a family BBQ. Really. BBQ's are different than other parties and somehow everyone shows their best and worse side!
Just wanted to add that. lol