Italian immigrants only began arriving in the United States about 120 years ago. While they are one of the more numerous  ethnic groups in America, they are heavily concentrated in the Northeastern states. Italian influence on American culture has largely been limited to cuisine. I am not just thinking of pizza, spaghetti, and lasagna here. Italians have been instrumental in establishing the wine industry in the United States both as vintners and importers. In addition, their dominance of the produce trade has brought previously exotic fruits like oranges and bananas into our everyday diets.  Originally, I rated Italian influence at 3 stars, but I have decided to drop it one star due to their strong regionalization.

What can you add to the Italians? They are concentrated in a few areas, primarily in the Atlantic States and some of the cities inland, but they have been an important asset to America.

I'm sure I'll get screamed at for being p.c. or something, which I'm not, but everyone gets a 3. This group, which I'm 1/4, too, so no conflict of interest.

Assimilated, adapted, and conquered. . .

You gotta love us, otherwise we fit you with cement shoes.

I love Italians. My husband is one, therefore my kids are all half italian! Italians are so romantic, and proper I think. EDIT: I don't think this list is a very good one, since it's encouraging racism. All nationalities have their good, their bad, their smart, their stupid, etc. Not right to rate them.

A distinct group among Caucasian ethnic groups. Italians came to America in large groups during our Industrial Revolution as cheap labor for industry. They underwent the transformation from a poor, working class group to an assilimated established part of American society. There are quite a few contributors to all aspects of American life who are of Italian descent and their contributions to the Nation are probably greater than anyone is fully aware - for instance more American Italian soldiers died in WWII than any other ethnic group. One thing that drops the group a star is the steroetypes that many people who are unfamilar with with use to define them. Even today, many associate Italians with the Mafia, Pizza or tacky thuggish behavior. It's disrespectful and doesnt fully acknowledge the broad aspects and indviduals who make up this group.

Gotta love the Italians. You just gotta.