► Second video with Rich here: ua-cam.com/video/DxJiLD8HPVE/v-deo.html ► Get 15% off CUTS T-shirts and sweatshirts by following the link cuts.team/peter or use promo code PETER at the checkout www.cutsclothing.com/
@@khalilamaz8592 Yeah, I guess it's easy to romanticize the past and some things probably were better in the past like more mom and pop restaurants and fewer chain stores and more close community with neighbors looking out for each other's kids. More of that "it takes a village" way of thinking. NYC is probably cleaner and more gentrified now. Amazon almost moved into the Bronx and would have probably sent rents soaring and had yuppies making 150k a year relocating in from Seattle and totally upending the local scene.
What I found sad was when the pizza guys said there used to be kids all over the place playing outside but now they’re just stuck inside on phones and playing video games. Technology has really taken away a lot of the human factor and community, where once people relied on each other for support, good times and good conversation.
i live near a very nice playground adjacent to an elementary school. i go by on a nice spring or summer saturday late morning or early afternoon and there are no kids playing. things have changed but not necessarily for the better. i grew up in a densely populated city block. all i needed to do was step outside my door and i had at least a dozen other kids i could play with. i'm older now but i recall leaving my house in the morning and not returning home until dinner time. that's just the way things were with my friends, too.
It still does exist but in different places. My kids played soccer growing up and our town, alone, had over 3,200 children on teams of all ages (U6-U19). We chose our town because we wanted community. It’s just moved from the cities to the nicer burbs. We are fortunate to live in such a great area and don’t take it for granted.
@@sophiemorrison9820 I'm 28 and it was like that for me in the suburbs. A Diffrent sport with all the neighborhood kids every afternoon. Now it's literally no kids outside at all...
Sorry for the long rant. But here it goes. I went back to my old neighborhood in Queens about five years ago on a hot July weekend . I hadn’t been back there in something like 30 years. I went to the old pizzeria which as kids we used to hang out at. I also wanted to see who owned it now and to get a classic Italian rainbow ice. When I walked in I was shocked to see the same owner and his wife behind the counter! A little greyer and a bit fatter but still the same. They even remembered me even though the last time they saw me I was around 15. I was now 49! The place was empty. No kids around anywhere. The owner Tony said if kids do come in it’s usually with their parents and they get stuff to go while the kids just play endlessly with their phones. Long gone is the old jukebox and kids spending their allowance. I walked a few blocks over to the old schoolyard. The place had had a makeover that must have cost thousands of dollars. Brand new basketball courts. Rims that had actual nets! A track for track and field. A new baseball diamond and handball courts. Long gone was the graffiti, broken glass, bottle caps and uneven pavement. The only thing missing was kids! It was empty except for a few guys in their 30s playing a pick up game of basketball. There weren’t even any kids hanging out sneaking a cigarette or smoking a joint!! It was really sad. Now it seems they’d rather play basketball on a video game than the real thing!
I came from an Irish American family from the Boston area. I grew up going to a local Italian pizza shop almost every day. Me and my friends would get home from school, pool our money, and go get a slice and a drink. The owner and employees would play cards with us if it was slow, sometimes slide us a free slice here and there, and talk with us. When I got my driver's license, they offered me a delivery job because they'd known me for years. Worked there on and off for 4 years. It's hard to explain the community and culture of a place like that to young kids today. It was nothing like working at a chain. They were like family, not just employers. They were tough on us, but taught us respect and how to have a good work ethic. Good times.
Outer new york is definitely missing irish and italians, it was just a much better, personal and welcoming feel. Real connections and real work were shot by what happened to new york, now idk if there's a turning back
@@antonioreconquistadorunless italys economy becomes almost 3rd world like it was back in the day in Southern Italy I can't see more italian immigrants choosing to mass immigrate to the USA again like in the past. They choose Germany, France, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Australia & even Toronto & Montreal Canada over the USA at this point...without new italian immigrants or Irish immigrants it's never going back to the way it was...italian & Irish Americans have lost they're culture they're just Americans now.
@@dn8443 People move up and move on. Nostalgia is nice, but clinging to the past is unhealthy. Those descendants of Irish and Italians are in the suburbs getting an education and running the country. Let the new immigrants have their turn.
Wow this was incredible. A completely different generation. I loved the fact they spoke of community something my and many younger generations won’t experience.
It's an absolute shame. And I don't blame the young people, their parents let it die before these kids could experience it. The grandparents remember though. No one knows each other anymore, not their neighbors, not their local shopkeeper. Everyone is isolated. Not just NYC, it's happening across the US. It really sucks.
Rich is such a wealth of knowledge. You often don't see the level of community in modern times compared to before. Also, I still have to try that calzone!
I grew up in the southern U.S. (north Florida). These types of videos are extremely interesting to me because they’re so different than growing up in the country…. NYC is so cultural, densely populated with much more diverse. In the south you’re basically white or black and live spread out. You drive everywhere.
@ kimberlythomas4373 NYC has always had tensions between the ethnic groups, races, socio-economic groups. Prior to WW2, most people stayed in their own ethnic neighborhoods. After WW2 many of the younger people moved to the suburbs and new groups began coming to USA and NYC. Times change, cities change, societies change. Rural areas in the northern USA were almost as isolated as rural neighborhoods in the South prior to WW2. There weren't many Blacks in the rural northern areas; but before TV people's focus was on their local community.
“We might not have money, but we have everything..” One of the most profound, true statements I’ve ever heard. I’m glad that I’m old enough to know what these guys were talking about with the playing ball after school, dinner time same time everyday but Sunday. It was better back then. This new generation is 100% missing out. Thanks for taking me back to my childhood. Great video!
Beautiful, reap benefits of a society, then change it in a negative way and mock your children for being born in a shittier world that you created The human nature of Baby Boomers and Gen X The real face of those generations Fuck you over and laugh at you while they do it
I agree with Rich about the loud music, it's disrespectful. It's like invading someone's audio space or mental space. Someone on that block has a headache, or maybe an older person is ill and they don't want to hear party beats blasting in their ears.
@@jmveee Correct...There is nothing wrong with music. However, the point is there is an issue when one person's right to listen to music interferes/conflicts with someone else's right to not have to hear someone elses noise(!). What the guy in the video is getting at is a concept of mutual _regard & respect_ for others. He even says as much when he questions why someone would essentially be like, _"Hey, see those people over there? Well I'm gonna turn my sounds up to 100🔊 and force them to hear what I'm listening to!"_
@@m.worthy - when you're out in public there's no way to control sound. There are public noise ordinances that already set limits but aside from that it's live and let live.
@@jmveee I wasn't focusing on _"out in public"_ like in a parking lot, a park, or when some random teen or 20-something driving drives by and keeps it moving... I am talking about _residential situations_ where again the point is _there is an issue when one person's right to listen to loud music interferes/conflicts with someone else's right to not have to hear someone elses noise(!)_ . The noise ordinances you mentioned included. Residential situations.
It was so touching listening to Rich and his friends. I didn’t grow up in New York but I can relate to a lot of things they said. Especially when they talked about no discipline anymore. I’m about the same age as these guys and they are so right. Kids do what they want nowadays. I long for the good old days
There is no more family, community, or respect in today’s world. Too many fatherless kids too much selfishness, and too much laziness. Today’s world wants you to think fathers and family are not important. But we will all see the decline in society continue because of this.
As someone whose grandparents owned a small deli in Bensonhurst in the 60's, I can tell you that Rich's "memory" of the Italian Mafia differs greatly from those who were subject to its thuggery.
Hi Peter, what a great find! I first stumbled upon your Appalachian video by chance. Such an interesting collection of backgrounds and people. You have a very natural way just letting people tell their stories. No pizzazz, no fuss , just fascinating snippets of America. These should be introduced into the curriculum to give younger generations a taste of where they live, without prejudice. Genuine people living their lives. Terrific discovery. Fair play to you :))
My Dad was an old New Yorker. Hailed from the Bronx. He passed last year and this made me feel at home. Thank you for sharing this Peter. Always love this kind of content. This generation is almost gone. Covid took so many of these guys. Love seeing that some are still around.
I wish this country went back to “communities” I’m in my late 20’s and man even at my young age I don’t see “communities” anymore. Man I remember playing outside with the neighborhood kids in the Los Angeles area and my grandma whistling for me to come in for dinner. This video reminded me of my childhood. I wish social media did not exist, it’s ruining a lot of kids lives and making them anti social.
Must have been cool, meeting a guy with the same heritage. I grew up with a lot of friends with Italian ancestry. I’m from Welsh, Irish, Scottish and German. I’m from Manchester and my family came to Liverpool when they first came to England. They came here as well as the States. No one feeds you like my Italian friends. We’re all one big family, all over the globe.
My dad immigrated from a small catholic village in south Lebanon in the early 70s and he describes his childhood much like how Rich did in this video. He tells me stories about when he first came to NYC and how he made many Italian friends because of the shared cultural and religious values. We love stopping by Arthur Ave. and getting cannolis from Gino's. This video made me extremely nostalgic haha.
@@eggyolked108 notice how they only like Arabs if they’re not Muslims 🤦♂️ Meanwhile this video is bragging about the Italian mobsters and criminals like it’s a good thing
Watched this all the way in Poland. Such a fantastic tour of the Bronx with an old school gentlemen. Man, those were the days, when right was right and wrong was wrong. Really enjoyed it, Peter.
Crazy how things have changed over the last four to five decades. Back then family culture was strong. Neighbors were like second family. Rich is proud of his culture, love seeing that
@@mackdeen7021 Imagine these guys being nostalgic of wifebeatings, hunting colored people as a hobby, and claiming to be true Italians while going to a baseball game at the same time ROFL
I miss those days when my Grandma Lucy made her homemade gravy, ravioli and antipasta. No cell phones. People talked and listen respectfully to each other.
You should interview my mother. She’s 85 and was born and raised in Chelsea in a railroad flat with a shared toilet in the hallway and a “Tub” in the kitchen. The neighborhood was predominantly Irish longshoremen but is now Uber trendy with the high line. If you’ve ever seen On the Waterfront with Marlon Brando it was very much like that.
that's awesome.chelsea isn't like that anymore I'll tell you that. I was walking through there today, I had an apartment on 28th back in the day. Now I had to move uptown. its a different world now. Otro Mundo.
My grandfather was a fire fighter in woodlawn back in the 30s and 40s. Ladder co, 32. After my grandmother came to identity his body the 2nd time, yes 2nd time, and he woke up in the morge (for the 2nd time!) My grandmother yelled! Thats it! You're retiring and we're moving to Florida. I grew up in Florida hearing bronx accents from my uncles, mother, and grand parents. I love it, makes my heart feel warm when i hear the accents from new york.
Thank you Peter for learning about this forgotten culture of Italian Americans. I lived it myself and everything Rich said is true. I can't wait for the next episode!
Best video. Tells us what is missing in today's society. FAMILY AND COMMUNITY. I'm not Italian but growing up all my girlfriends were Italian. I learned so much from these families and have taken on their traditions and values. I'm half Serbian and they also have the same value system. If my Aunts and Uncles were bad my grandfather took a switch of a tree and if he caught them they would get it. Its so sad today. Most people, not all, do not no how to work hard and wait for things. We can't go back to those days but if we could bring forward some of these values apply them today the US and Canada would move forward into a more positive future.
Well said. Many Americans don't care for family. It's only money they worship
Рік тому+4
Great episode, Peter! I grew up in Renton, WA in the 1950s & 60s. It was predominantly Italian and the guys you're talking to this day remind me so much of growing up.
Love this guy! He is right! I didn’t live his same experience as far as an Italian American from NY. I’m Puerto Rican from New Jersry but what he said about the family values is right on with all cultures! Great Content!
Us Italians definitely have a ton in common with Puerto Rican’s. I said this to an older Italian once and he got mad LMAO. But it’s true. Respect bro 🇮🇹 🇵🇷 🇺🇸
My mother is from Bushwick and she told me back in the day it was Italian. When she moved there in the 60s that's when Puerto Ricans like her came.in the neighborhood. They didn't like us very much
@@vliciouss Some Italians are ultra prideful people, depending on the time period and what was going on at the time of the perception of Puerto Rico or Puerto Rican’s, for example if Puerto Rico was known for poor slums at that type some would take offense to that kind of comparison.
Italian pride, culture, values, all true! My mother was first generation American, her parents were from Sicily, so that makes me a proud Sicilian American. So much of the old ways are going away, sadly. Our "Little Italy" was in Detroit, and I miss it so much! The bread is the best! Lol! 🇮🇲 🇺🇲🇮🇹❤️
A pity that the English culture to which you belong created the stereotype that being Italian in those times was synonymous with a mafia culture, Argentina received more Italian immigrants in those times than the United States and never created the stereotype that Italians created mafias. It was all a lie created by English propaganda that Italians created mafias because they hated the cultures of southern Europe. More Italians in Argentina in Argentina and did not create a single mafia, weird.
I miss the good old days. I’m 61 and grew up in a community in Seattle just like he’s talking about. Now just gangs, homelessness and drugs. Loved this episode and these Italian men.
@@JesusChrist2000BC give me anti-fascists any day of the week over literal mafiosos who insane people glorify and romanticize like they were a good thing.
Loved the two brothers. As a Frenchman that moved to the USA, watching and hearing those two Italian-American brothers remind me so much of France and my fellow Frenchmen. Similar physical traits, facial expressions, values, and culture. New York City has that rich European heritage that I miss here in the Midwest. I would love to visit those neighborhoods and meet their locals one day.
As a European I can tell you that French people are so superficial and not straightforward as Italians are so I don’t see what’s remembers you of France by seeing an old Italian American (Neapolitan) traits and way of talk remembers you to a Frenchman if you would say Spanish well that would be ok but French !! I lived in France for a good period of time Paris then Orleans and Marseille and it has nothing to do French people are so fake and rather speak behind your back stab you and gossip than telling you the truth in your face 😊
You do know that France is Mediterranean too, right? Go to southern France and you'll notice our similarities. Not sure why you seem so upset. There really are no real reasons to argue. Peace, my friend.@@Jordi_Llopis_i_Torregrosa96
The East End of London has so many similarities with this area and era. Bethnal Green , Bow and Stepney in London was exactly the same. I feel very honoured to have been brought up in that time in that area with those morals. At the same time I'm incredibly sad how it has changed .The community worked so well, almost too well which is why it was broken up. It wasn't perfect but it worked. Gentrification has a lot to answer for. I feel that we need to capture as much info of these times before they are permanently lost forever. I love New York. Great upload!
Thanks for this slice of nostalgia! I’m a Sicilian ex NYer and this video brought tears to my eyes. There was a lot of truth being told by Rich and the community Thanks again Keep on seeking the truth!
This was so incredibly enjoyable to watch! Please interview more of their generation and older. We need to hear about it. Cherish it. And maybe, some of us, bring it back. And they were right. We need discipline, tradition and respect again. Thank you for making this video.
This small slice of what neighborhood life was really like back in the 50s and 60s is like a time capsule - grateful you were able to capture it and share. There is something about hearing the stories and looking into the eyes - it just sort of sparks and brings them right back - pure magic!
I love the different views of generations compared to today. Definitely seem more community back then, now people are too busy or into their own world trying to get ahead
Thank you for this. It's heart breaking to watch the fabric of society/community being torn apart and coming to what we are seeing now-a-days. Can't wait for the next episode.
It's not just that. It's that ppl treat each other like sh*t. I tried to get married, to find someone I could love and take care of.... everything is selfish drama. Parents being self centered and persuing their ____ I think was the fall and created the type of people I dated. My parents checked out of raising us when I was 8 or 9.
People have been saying that for years. Unfortunately I heard to many times... oh that is because of your religion...oh your old fashioned...blah blah blah. The stats just do not lie, you have a better chance at life with a mom and a dad.
I loved our early Sunday afternoon dinners at my grandmas house. Just engorge ourselves with carefully rolled anti-pasta (provolone, cappicola, salami, with roasted red peppers, tomatoes and olives drizzled in olive oil) pasta, meatballs, sausage, bracciole and wine for the main course and for dessert, pig out on pie, fruits, nuts. After we were done eating, we'd all basically just pass out on the couch from eating too much. Great memories. Miss you, grandma.
Rich is a great,well known sports writer in the Nyc area. He’s got a ton of knowledge.I’d love to spend a day with him,picking his mind. This was a fantastic video.one of the more enjoyable videos.thanks Peter
Love this, brings back so many beautiful memories. Grandmother lived there, spent every Sunday & Holidays with family. In 60’s neighborhood was safe, a woman could walk safely at night. I was fortunate to have these memories.
My father is 1st generation American, and my mother is 2nd gen American. I was fortunate to grow up with my grandparents and even a great grandmother. Growing up Italian in Brooklyn is something I absolutely cherish and wouldn’t trade it in for anything else that could possibly be.
I agree my grandparents were from Castellammare del golfo on my Father's side raised in Bensonhurst, my Mother's side has roots in Avellino, Campania, my grandfather came over as a Lil kid ,raised in Canarsie, my maternal grandmother family was from Veneto,..I grew up fully immersed in our great culture, with a large family and mostly all Italian friends in my crew since I was young,all over Brooklyn, Staten and LI,..
My mother grew up in the Bronx near Morris Park. She said kids would pack a lunch and walk to the "creek" which was off the highway near the Whitestone Bridge. There was also a drive-in theater. The "creek" is so polluted now...
1:58 - Brings back memories. I lived on Arthur Ave and 186th Street from 1990 to 1996. It was definitely a cultural mix. The people I knew, and worked with as a volunteer, were predominantly Italian-American locals that Rich Mancuso speaks of. I sensed a shift in the early 90's of Italians leaving, and a larger presence of Albanians to the community - there is history of Italy and Albania. Lived there when The Bronx Tale was made. There was a guy called Eddie Mush who basically played himself in the movie. 3:44 - FBI designated Belmont (Little Italy in Bronx) as the safest neighborhood in NYC. I remember, when Rudy was running for Mayor in early 90's he said that to me. I had to correct him, and then mentioned what we were doing as volunteers - Fordham/Belmont Safety Patrol. We were basically the Eyes and Ears of the 48th Police Precinct, and patrolled the neighborhoods (in my 1985 Red Nissan Sentra - stick shift - with CB radios). We ended up getting funding and more advanced equipment, but it was our way of doing something and making a presence in our community. There was a statistical drop in crime and a partnership with local police established. For the most part, the issues were low-level addicts that roamed the neighborhood panhandling - this had a negative effect on tourists visiting the neighborhoods and restaurants at night. One time a prostitute came up to my car and asked me if I was interested - I rolled down my window and asked, "What part of this magnetic sign don't you understand?" My PSA is to figure out what's needed where you live, and then form a group to do something about it. 4:25 - What Mancuso is talking about we basically had in early 90's - COPS (Community Policing), where we had a small number of cops that specifically worked our neighborhood. I think it worked well. I sensed that there were still remnants of local Mafia running the place, but it was never overt. Several times we invited the local cops up to our safety patrol office to discuss what was happening. My takeaway was that the cops were limited by having to actually see something criminal happening. What we were doing was keeping close local track of trends and changes happening with various people/groups coming and going. It requires a multi-pronged effort to create change. 5:06 - He's absolutely right there. I remember cases where some local issues (typically drug-related) happened and people were given assistance they needed or treatment programs and oftentimes had to pay it back by working in a restaurant's kitchen. It all worked out. Mancuso would know who I worked closely with as a volunteer - Florence Petronio 5:41 - That's all I heard, and I didn't see any of it, though. 6:08 - Pastry shops. The smell of fresh baked bread in early hours of the morning. Cannoli's. Meatballs. It was freakin' awesome!!! Across the street from me was an open market - 17:24 - (groceries) and they always threw in something extra for me as a surprise. I gained many pounds.... 9:24 - He's basically talking about community in an analog fashion. I see his point. Because nowadays a lot of social interactions are technology-based, we can miss the actual stuff right in front of us. That addict I mentioned early with the pan-handling - he was sent to prison for several months; came out clean; I had no idea he spoke fluent English; I tried to get him into our Safety Patrol; the next day he was hooked again because a dealer got to him. My point is that connecting with people on the ground, and knowing their story, creates for the sense of community that Mancuso is talking about. 14:33 - Surreal -- My old front door. Bottom line - after I left in 1996, the concept of creating a community still is possible - "Neighbor helping Neighbor", which was part of our CERT program. Good memories from Belmont - Little Italy in the Bronx.
This takes me down memory lane to when I was a kid. My mom is from Staten Island, and dad is from Brooklyn. Both from italian families. Seeing this stuff reminded me to walking around brooklyn, seeing mostly italians. Now its all different. Many moved to New Jersey, followed by a move down south (like me). Italian culture had its time years back and sadly it is slowly fading away from the family style. Great video!!
I'm Italian and i would love to visit these streets. I agree with the guys, it seems we have a lack of discipline and sense of community in our society. I think it will get worse in future, this is sad.
@@joedimaggio6261 hahahahahaha whatever you say Brain Wizard. We aren’t going down the road you fake SJW weirdos want to go. We are talking quality of life.
@@tjl_8117 quality of life? People today live longer and have more disposable income and leisure time than they had in the good old days. Life was much tougher back than. Infant mortality rates were much higher. Shit my grandfather had many siblings who died right after birth.
I like that old timer, he is real old school. You can tell he misses the past and I’m sure he wish it was the same but unfortunately things change and we have to move along with the times. Salute Peter Santenello, keep em” coming!! ✊🏼😎
I've literally been in NYC situations where young guys (and 30+ to 40+ grown men!) have taken big speakers out of their vehicles and aimed the speakers🎛🔊 directly at the entrance to the barbershop business I go to and blasted🔊 dembo and merengue loud enough to be heard an entire Manhattan block 🔊. No exaggeration. No regard for the barbershop or other businesses... No regard for the apartments above or around... and no one said a thing to the young guys or "adults" because no one wanted to start an issue... Yet I always remember an old senior-citizen couple (literally laboring to walk!) who resided above the noise, complaining and shaking their head about how no one respected them (the senior residents).
@@m.worthy the thing is that you have to start something with them. you got to step up to them and tell them to turn it down. and there are a myriad of ways of doing so but you will only know which way to pick once your in the verbal square with them. i know its scaring.. f** it. the only way to get a barking dog to stop rushing at you is to bark back.
Do something about it. That's the problem is everyone thinks it's either some one else job. Some one blasting music in your neighborhood throw a rock in the window. They'll stop trust me.
@juan2 & @saz Jaja...😁...I appreciate you both trying to offer a suggestion, but _I'm not someone that needs to look to others for certain solutions_ . First off, the area I mentioned is a area in Manhattan that I get my haircut in. _I do not reside in that area (not my neighborhood, not my problem)_ . Second, it is a tricky kinda situation because of the culture and ages of the males who are usually doing that. It is a situation where on one hand people accept that loud music as part of the "culture"🙄, and on the other hand there is the matter of respect for others not wanting to hear it. Now, at other times in my life I have been in situations where I had to approach large groups of guys and ask that they turn music down...and they respected that I asked, so they turned music down or even off. The flipside to that is that you can encounter people who you don't know who also may not reside in the area they are being a nuisance or problem in, and you have no idea what will come of that nor exactly who nor what you're involving yourself with. _@Saz said "trust me" about a f#×%in' rock when I'm talking about total strangers who may have guns and do use them_ . _I'm not sure what world you throw rocks in, but the areas I mention, if you throw rocks be prepared for any type of immediate (and future) life altering response_ . _My experiences with those situations are in Chicago, Detroit areas, and throughout NYC. Places where the smallest arguments or disagreements can quickly lead to an extreme situation if handled incorrectly_ . Lived it... And of course, one can always call police for noise complaints...And call again..and again..and possibly create issues from doing that. So yeah, I appreciate your _"Do something about it"_ suggestions. In different places at different times long ago in my life I have done just that, but at this point in my life it is not an issue around my tranquil, nice, home environment. *The example I originally used is from a busy, crowded, residential & commercial Manhattan area where I get my haircut* . *I do not reside in nor near that area* . *The old people and others in that area who do need to **_"Do something about it"_** have to do so because it is their block and area* .
@Brandon May _"No one wants to be the one to do what needs to be done..."_ *Lesandro Guzman-Feliz* (15) If people in a "community" would have interceded on his behalf, that kid could still be alive today. If you're not aware of how his demise came, simply Google his name or look at the UA-cam links I attached at the end of my responses @juan2.. and @saz...(or any other detailed/graphic video footage). Point being, sometimes _"the one who does what needs to be done"_ (in a unknown immediate environment) becomes the one who gets _"Large amounts of pain and suffering"_ (as you said). Depending on the variables, place & situation, even something as simple as asking someone or a group of someones to turn down music, can lead to a situation one can't get out of...and as in *Lesandro Guzman-Feliz* situation, not a single person tried to intervene to save that 15 year young kid...No one wanted to be _"the one to do what needs to be done_ ."
That is really old-school and traditional for someone to deliver pizza like that my hat is off to him I wish it was still like that. It’s a true community.
It's sad to think that once these guys are gone those neighborhood restaurants and delis will be no more. He's right, nobody wants to do that type of work anymore. Big box stores and chain restaurants will replace them.
He’s right about everyone looking out for each other in your own neighborhood. It’s definitely not like that now. Everyone is just a stranger to you in your own neighborhood. Bunch of small town people moving in.
I grew up near Arthur Ave and yeah the “numbers” game was a big thing we Puerto Rican’s called it “Bolita”. I grew up their in the 70’s so it pretty violent in my day.
such a part of life that is disappearing that made us a community and a country. I feel the passion Rich has for the neighborhood - sadly many don't have that.
Fascinating video. I grew up nearby on park avenue back in the 70s. Moved out when things got bad. But I do remember the Italian and Puerto Rican’s kids getting along. Sure there were gang fights and bigoted thinking but our parents mostly got along. We went to the same Catholic churches and we could understand each other’s language. I recall many kids who were half Italian half puerto rican. Maybe others had different experiences.
This is awesome!!!! I wonder if I could Google a walking tour with a guy like the one giving you the tour in this video (Richie). I love this, seriously man! Thank you for posting this, thank you. God bless you. I’d like to think my donation to your channel paid for that slice of pizza and drink. Thanks
Man i love this! Keep it up Peter. Reminds me of my parents who keep talking about when they grew up in the village back in Bosnia in the 70s, saying how beautiful life was back then & how everyone looked after one another.
The restaurant I worked for when I was younger was (Rigoletto) on Arthur Ave and they was under Gotti. It's crazy because my adult years are in Arizona & ended up becoming friends with Sammy "The Bull's" daughter out here! 🤷🏽♂️
It’s the same across the world. I taught my grandson how to make and fly a kite and we got looked at like a pair of freaks on the beach flying that. But he was proud. He made it. And it will get passed on. Do stuff! Don’t watch other people do stuff!,
I taught my daughter how to build a kite. Albeit we went on UA-cam to find out how but still bought nylon fabric, string and wood dowels and assembled it. The only time we used the phone, printed out the instructions. I told her use your imagination. We used to spend hours outside and no phones or internet available. Now kids say they’re bored if there is no wifi signal and that’s just sad. At least she reads a book.
I grew up in Chicago. Life was simpler in a lot of ways back then. You did work hard for what you had but, you enjoyed what you had. We were taught to be respectful. We would go with my Irish mother grocery shopping on Saturday’s to help because, grocery stores closed early, nothing was open on Sunday. We went to Church on Sunday’s and went home to cook Sunday Dinner. When there was nothing left in the house to do, we would go outside to play for hours. I miss those days
This is awesome to see. Coming from Texas I get a different view of New York on the news as just gangs and liberals. Refreshing to see there’s still some of that New York Italian culture I wanted to experience as a kid.
Not to be the bearer of bad news but the mob is the ultimate gang in America. Organized yes, but doing the same thing gangs all over the world and country do
Seems like everything has changed for the worst. So sad to see that the Italian culture is disappearing in NYC... Thanks for sharing that knowledge of history !
What Italian culture are you referring to? These people are Americans who had some relatives from Italy over 100 years ago and have little or no connection to the country other than some culinary and religious traditions that people here (in Italy, where I am) would barely recognize today. They do not speak Italian nor could they tell you anything about the history or even name a couple of Italian authors outside of Dante or Boccaccio.
@@mediterraneanworld Its the Italian/American culture that is missing. The children of Italian immigrants were bilingual but more Americanized that would follow baseball instead of FIFA. Everyone, at that time, were from the same background so a friends house was exactly like your house. Times were different then because the vibe is gone, Italians gave better lives to their kids and Italians were no longer moving in they were moving out. the Like i said its Italian/American and yes its much different then Italy. For example more Italian Americans give money for a wedding gift other than a wrapped present.
@@ralphroberts5011 they gave up their identity because they were persecuted during WW2 - Italian was the second most spoken language in the 30's and 40's with so many newspapers and cultural events etc . .by 1950's almost all of that was gone as they assimilated very quickly in to mainstream Americana and also to distinguish themselves from other ethnic groups. I am not saying it is the fault of Italian Americans but they hold on to an identity that is very curated and inauthentic.
@@ralphroberts5011 Which children were bilingual ? part of the problem was that so many of the immigrants were illiterate in Italian and spoke some local dialect and thus could not even pass the language on to their children - in many ways this demonstrates how poverty and education can rob people of their culture and identity and how easy it is to lose it. Italians are not a monolithic group in America - many later arrivals wanted little to do with Italo-Americani and viewed them as peasants. Likewise the Italians who immigrated to California came from a different class and even region as you had to have money to go all the way to California in the 19th and early 20th century. That said many of these immigrants had little concept of Italy as we only became unified in 1860 - 1870 - which Italian unification is quite similar to the civil war in the USA minus the slavery but it did disrupt and impoverish a vulnerable segment of the population which is what led to mass immigration that was encouraged by the Italian government - get rid of the poor and let them make a pathway to export Italian products and capital!
@@mediterraneanworld Inauthentic?? No that is why its Italian/American. The immigrant parents wanted their children to be American with ties to their heritage. Its not Inauthentic at all.
Peter very warm and educational video about la familia , friendship and culture honor and respect on the people of our community save our American we need you, God bless you.
That's is a good ole slice of Americana history from a bygone era that will forever remain part of the country's heritage. That was a great homage to the Italians who have come and passed through the quaint neighborhoods of the mob/mafia times. Keep up the great work.
Peter definitely helping this dude from fully derailing the conversation to iffy topics...people say I'm anti-this...Christopher Columbus...we didn't have "that"...Props Pete.
I enjoyed so much your interview with Rich Mancuso I love old school neighborhoods. I am from Chicago and I grew up in the fifties and the sixties I can relate to his stories. Thank you I admire Rich for allowing us to see the history of the Bronx. I admire you for doing this. I grew up here in Chicago and I lived here for 65 years. I want to visit New York city I want to go to the Bronx and see little Italy. I can see that it is more authentic that is why I will visit when I can go to NYC. I didn't know that the Bronx story was filmed in Brooklyn. Why? I don't understand this at all if it is about the Bronx. I saw the movie alot and I love it. Thank you again and Rich Mancuso is an amazing person. Kudos
I was just in New York and everyone told me the real Little Italy is in the BX….not the one downtown…i went there my last day and had some amazing food….
With all respect to Mr. Mancuso and the Italian American community, I have to say something which may be unpopular. The Mafia was an issue back in NYC and other places and quite frankly I'm glad I didn't grow up in Sicilian American culture as a Sicilian American. A lot of them are close minded and a judgmental. Because I wasn't raised in the culture they used to say I wasn't one of them. My parents also didn't grow up in a big city either. Times change, people change. Family culture changes. They're used to the way things used to be which is understood. All of the NYC natives I know said the mafia was a problem back then. I loved the video and what the gentlemen were talking about. I just have a different opinion of things but I respect their wisdom and experience. I love Peter's channel also as they don't make them like him anymore!
Yeah it’s a lot of rose tinted glasses. I don’t doubt that everything good he mentions about the mafia is true, but he also forgets a lot of the bad stuff that outweighs the good stuff
I grew up in East New York, right next to ozone park where all the mafiosos were at. Never any problems in ozone park but eny was a shit hole. The mob kept shit out of their neighborhoods. Some aspects of their culture is flawed, but they did look out for their people.
As an Italian citizen, I'm glad that there's someone that sees those ghettos for what they were. I'm so fucking ashamed of the stereotype that I have to listen to from the movies, which are not even based upon life in Italy but were spread by the few ignorant bad apples that emigrated from the poorest and uncultured regions of our state to the US, and creating a weird idea of Italians. These people came from regions that are among the worst parts of Western Europe and, while there are historical reasons why these regions were poor and oppressed, they also share a cultural heritage that is so archaic, patriarchal, and barbaric. Even in Italy, it took the courage of heroes like Franca Viola, Peppino Impastato, or Falcone and Borsellino, to try to change that mentality, and some of them brought awareness to said problems only by dying as martyrs.
I have a very close group of buddies I grew up with in NY. Listening to this guy talk about some friends of his that have passed breaks my heart. The communities in these cities are tight.
Peter , you need to get to Howard Beach and start at Lenny’s Clam Bar. Lots of history in that town, both good and bad. Loved this walk through the OG Little Italy. Many fond memories of visiting there with my family and enjoying authentic and classic Italian foods.
► Second video with Rich here: ua-cam.com/video/DxJiLD8HPVE/v-deo.html
► Get 15% off CUTS T-shirts and sweatshirts by following the link cuts.team/peter or use promo code PETER at the checkout www.cutsclothing.com/
You may invite Serpentza to your talk too. To see what is his vuew of USA, South Africa, China and the world.
I am from the South of Italy and when a car has volume too loud is disrespectful and people stare at you
How have you never watch the bronx tale?? It’s a must watch
Good job sharing stuff.
You can tell Peter's not from here in NY. He says "I'll do a slice of cheese pizza". Cheese pizza? LOL. We just say "Gimme a slice"
This is the New York that people love and will miss.
True grit. Real people. And friends you could always count on. My how it’s all changed now.
New York is better now. More diverse. Different cultures everywhere so cool.
@@khalilamaz8592 Yeah, I guess it's easy to romanticize the past and some things probably were better in the past like more mom and pop restaurants and fewer chain stores and more close community with neighbors looking out for each other's kids. More of that "it takes a village" way of thinking. NYC is probably cleaner and more gentrified now. Amazon almost moved into the Bronx and would have probably sent rents soaring and had yuppies making 150k a year relocating in from Seattle and totally upending the local scene.
@@khalilamaz8592 diversity is exactly why its worse now.
@@khalilamaz8592 its always been that way
What I found sad was when the pizza guys said there used to be kids all over the place playing outside but now they’re just stuck inside on phones and playing video games. Technology has really taken away a lot of the human factor and community, where once people relied on each other for support, good times and good conversation.
i live near a very nice playground adjacent to an elementary school. i go by on a nice spring or summer saturday late morning or early afternoon and there are no kids playing. things have changed but not necessarily for the better. i grew up in a densely populated city block. all i needed to do was step outside my door and i had at least a dozen other kids i could play with. i'm older now but i recall leaving my house in the morning and not returning home until dinner time. that's just the way things were with my friends, too.
It still does exist but in different places. My kids played soccer growing up and our town, alone, had over 3,200 children on teams of all ages (U6-U19). We chose our town because we wanted community. It’s just moved from the cities to the nicer burbs. We are fortunate to live in such a great area and don’t take it for granted.
@@sophiemorrison9820 I'm 28 and it was like that for me in the suburbs. A Diffrent sport with all the neighborhood kids every afternoon. Now it's literally no kids outside at all...
Sorry for the long rant. But here it goes. I went back to my old neighborhood in Queens about five years ago on a hot July weekend . I hadn’t been back there in something like 30 years. I went to the old pizzeria which as kids we used to hang out at. I also wanted to see who owned it now and to get a classic Italian rainbow ice. When I walked in I was shocked to see the same owner and his wife behind the counter! A little greyer and a bit fatter but still the same. They even remembered me even though the last time they saw me I was around 15. I was now 49! The place was empty. No kids around anywhere. The owner Tony said if kids do come in it’s usually with their parents and they get stuff to go while the kids just play endlessly with their phones. Long gone is the old jukebox and kids spending their allowance. I walked a few blocks over to the old schoolyard. The place had had a makeover that must have cost thousands of dollars. Brand new basketball courts. Rims that had actual nets! A track for track and field. A new baseball diamond and handball courts. Long gone was the graffiti, broken glass, bottle caps and uneven pavement. The only thing missing was kids! It was empty except for a few guys in their 30s playing a pick up game of basketball. There weren’t even any kids hanging out sneaking a cigarette or smoking a joint!! It was really sad. Now it seems they’d rather play basketball on a video game than the real thing!
@@baronhelius4596 Wow, that's crazy how they still remembered you all those decades later.
I came from an Irish American family from the Boston area. I grew up going to a local Italian pizza shop almost every day. Me and my friends would get home from school, pool our money, and go get a slice and a drink. The owner and employees would play cards with us if it was slow, sometimes slide us a free slice here and there, and talk with us. When I got my driver's license, they offered me a delivery job because they'd known me for years. Worked there on and off for 4 years. It's hard to explain the community and culture of a place like that to young kids today. It was nothing like working at a chain. They were like family, not just employers. They were tough on us, but taught us respect and how to have a good work ethic. Good times.
Thanks for sharing 👌🏼
Outer new york is definitely missing irish and italians, it was just a much better, personal and welcoming feel. Real connections and real work were shot by what happened to new york, now idk if there's a turning back
Just admit you’re a racist.
@@antonioreconquistadorunless italys economy becomes almost 3rd world like it was back in the day in Southern Italy I can't see more italian immigrants choosing to mass immigrate to the USA again like in the past. They choose Germany, France, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Australia & even Toronto & Montreal Canada over the USA at this point...without new italian immigrants or Irish immigrants it's never going back to the way it was...italian & Irish Americans have lost they're culture they're just Americans now.
@@dn8443 People move up and move on. Nostalgia is nice, but clinging to the past is unhealthy. Those descendants of Irish and Italians are in the suburbs getting an education and running the country. Let the new immigrants have their turn.
A Bronx tale. Such a Great movie.
hell ya
It was such a good movie
"Now youz can't leave."
I agree, one of my favourite movie of all time
I always think about the test when I get into a car lol
Wow this was incredible. A completely different generation. I loved the fact they spoke of community something my and many younger generations won’t experience.
It's an absolute shame. And I don't blame the young people, their parents let it die before these kids could experience it. The grandparents remember though. No one knows each other anymore, not their neighbors, not their local shopkeeper. Everyone is isolated. Not just NYC, it's happening across the US. It really sucks.
@@livingminimumwage6359 you wouldn’t be mistaken if you said it’s happening across the world as a whole
@@livingminimumwage6359 car culture messes a lot of that up
‼️ @29:33 - Thee G👁 talking about kihdz alwayz ohn thur phonez 📱 N computer 🖥 ‼️
Sooo troo N F'N disguhsting 😡‼️
Unfortunately thee g👁 iz 100% chorrect, 👁 waz aht m👁 Brutherz houze lahst wheekend, hee haz 4 kihdz, one waz playing online gamez 🎮 ihn thee livihng room whith hiz bruther - whoo waz ihn hiz behdroom, thee gurl waz ohn her Lahptohp ihn hur roohm and thee uthur kihd waz ohn a cehll phone 📱 ohn thee lihving roohm couch 🛋 whith hiz mohm whoo waz ohn hur phone 📱 - literally thee whohle F'N tihme 👁 waz thair - excehpt fur whehn wee 8 BBQ, thehn r👁t bahck 2 thee dehvicez.
👁 Fouhnd iht sihckening & Dizrespehctful 🖕😡‼️
‼️🖕SIHK UV IHT AHLL 🖕‼️
NEWCASTLE CALIFORNIA,USA 🇺🇲
The young generation can have back, but they are going to have to create it. I hope they do! Good luck! 💜🙏🏻
Real people. Real history. Real families and real respect.
this man is crazy
@@Mere-Lachaiselonguewhy
When I turn on political news, it makes me lose faith in humanity. When I tune to Peter Santenello, I see the beauty in humanity.
me too - Peter's videos give u hope in the world.
He's a lovely chap
dont do it then man im physically repelled from it
Rich is such a wealth of knowledge. You often don't see the level of community in modern times compared to before. Also, I still have to try that calzone!
Thanks for hooking that up Action Kid!
‼️ U DOHNT 👁👁 CHOMMUNITY,
Becuz uv smarht phonez 📱 , thay wur N R ohur dehcl👁ne N Sehpuration ‼️
‼️ @29:33 - Thee G👁 talking about kihdz alwayz ohn thur phonez 📱 N computer 🖥 ‼️
Sooo troo N F'N disguhsting 😡‼️
Unfortunately thee g👁 iz 100% chorrect, 👁 waz aht m👁 Brutherz houze lahst wheekend, hee haz 4 kihdz, one waz playing online gamez 🎮 ihn thee livihng room whith hiz bruther - whoo waz ihn hiz behdroom, thee gurl waz ohn her Lahptohp ihn hur roohm and thee uthur kihd waz ohn a cehll phone 📱 ohn thee lihving roohm couch 🛋 whith hiz mohm whoo waz ohn hur phone 📱 - literally thee whohle F'N tihme 👁 waz thair - excehpt fur whehn wee 8 BBQ, thehn r👁t bahck 2 thee dehvicez.
👁 Fouhnd iht sihckening & Dizrespehctful 🖕😡‼️
‼️🖕SIHK UV IHT AHLL 🖕‼️
NEWCASTLE CALIFORNIA,USA 🇺🇲
@@BIGPIE3333 wtf
@@nbuilds902 we may have just been visited by extraterrestrial lifeforms.
@Miami Heat You're right, he could be living in Kansas or Milwaukee now instead of boring NYC.
I grew up in the southern U.S. (north Florida). These types of videos are extremely interesting to me because they’re so different than growing up in the country…. NYC is so cultural, densely populated with much more diverse. In the south you’re basically white or black and live spread out. You drive everywhere.
But the NY metro area isn't like this anymore. This guy is an old timer lamenting an era that no longer exists. It's quite sad, actually.
@ kimberlythomas4373
NYC has always had tensions between the ethnic groups, races, socio-economic groups. Prior to WW2, most people stayed
in their own ethnic neighborhoods. After WW2 many of the younger people moved to the suburbs and new groups began
coming to USA and NYC. Times change, cities change, societies change.
Rural areas in the northern USA were almost as isolated as rural neighborhoods in the South prior to WW2. There weren't
many Blacks in the rural northern areas; but before TV people's focus was on their local community.
“We might not have money, but we have everything..” One of the most profound, true statements I’ve ever heard. I’m glad that I’m old enough to know what these guys were talking about with the playing ball after school, dinner time same time everyday but Sunday. It was better back then. This new generation is 100% missing out. Thanks for taking me back to my childhood. Great video!
'Enough is better than a feast'
@@lukehall8151 a feast is better than not enough
@@richjones7313 enough > a feast > not enough
Beautiful, reap benefits of a society, then change it in a negative way and mock your children for being born in a shittier world that you created
The human nature of Baby Boomers and Gen X
The real face of those generations
Fuck you over and laugh at you while they do it
I miss mom's screaming our names to come eat and or throw.that trash and or wash dishes lol hahahah gotta love the mommas
I agree with Rich about the loud music, it's disrespectful. It's like invading someone's audio space or mental space. Someone on that block has a headache, or maybe an older person is ill and they don't want to hear party beats blasting in their ears.
I lived in Chicago and every neighborhood had music and were loud. Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown, etc. Nothing wrong with music
@@jmveee
Correct...There is nothing wrong with music. However, the point is there is an issue when one person's right to listen to music interferes/conflicts with someone else's right to not have to hear someone elses noise(!).
What the guy in the video is getting at is a concept of mutual _regard & respect_ for others.
He even says as much when he questions why someone would essentially be like, _"Hey, see those people over there? Well I'm gonna turn my sounds up to 100🔊 and force them to hear what I'm listening to!"_
@@m.worthy - when you're out in public there's no way to control sound. There are public noise ordinances that already set limits but aside from that it's live and let live.
Do something about it. Throw a brick in their window. They will stop.
@@jmveee
I wasn't focusing on _"out in public"_ like in a parking lot, a park, or when some random teen or 20-something driving drives by and keeps it moving... I am talking about _residential situations_ where again the point is _there is an issue when one person's right to listen to loud music interferes/conflicts with someone else's right to not have to hear someone elses noise(!)_ . The noise ordinances you mentioned included. Residential situations.
It was so touching listening to Rich and his friends. I didn’t grow up in New York but I can relate to a lot of things they said. Especially when they talked about no discipline anymore. I’m about the same age as these guys and they are so right. Kids do what they want nowadays. I long for the good old days
There is no more family, community, or respect in today’s world. Too many fatherless kids too much selfishness, and too much laziness. Today’s world wants you to think fathers and family are not important. But we will all see the decline in society continue because of this.
‼️ Unfortunately there's no going bahck, 👁 long for the 70's and 80's whehn wee uzed phay phonez‼️
‼️ U DOHNT 👁👁 CHOMMUNITY,
Becuz uv smarht phonez 📱 , thay wur N R ohur dehcl👁ne N Sehpuration ‼️
‼️ @29:33 - Thee G👁 talking about kihdz alwayz ohn thur phonez 📱 N computer 🖥 ‼️
Sooo troo N F'N disguhsting 😡‼️
Unfortunately thee g👁 iz 100% chorrect, 👁 waz aht m👁 Brutherz houze lahst wheekend, hee haz 4 kihdz, one waz playing online gamez 🎮 ihn thee livihng room whith hiz bruther - whoo waz ihn hiz behdroom, thee gurl waz ohn her Lahptohp ihn hur roohm and thee uthur kihd waz ohn a cehll phone 📱 ohn thee lihving roohm couch 🛋 whith hiz mohm whoo waz ohn hur phone 📱 - literally thee whohle F'N tihme 👁 waz thair - excehpt fur whehn wee 8 BBQ, thehn r👁t bahck 2 thee dehvicez.
👁 Fouhnd iht sihckening & Dizrespehctful 🖕😡‼️
‼️🖕SIHK UV IHT AHLL 🖕‼️
NEWCASTLE CALIFORNIA,USA 🇺🇲
The statics show that kids that did not have a father growing up, are more likely to get into crime.
@@gabeschulte4608 I must be an exception. I’m sweet as a honey can be.
@Espurrrxd Its just what the statics show. I'm not saying anything
@Espurrrxd you are 1 person. Look at the statistics fool
As someone whose grandparents owned a small deli in Bensonhurst in the 60's, I can tell you that Rich's "memory" of the Italian Mafia differs greatly from those who were subject to its thuggery.
Please do tell us more..
@@bagussatrio7841 They basically lived in constant fear of shake downs, theft, threats, etc. at the hands of their own people.
@@bagussatrio7841 yes please
People always gloss over the predatory behavior of their own people
Romanticizing violence is never good.
Hi Peter, what a great find! I first stumbled upon your Appalachian video by chance. Such an interesting collection of backgrounds and people. You have a very natural way just letting people tell their stories. No pizzazz, no fuss , just fascinating snippets of America. These should be introduced into the curriculum to give younger generations a taste of where they live, without prejudice. Genuine people living their lives. Terrific discovery. Fair play to you :))
My Dad was an old New Yorker. Hailed from the Bronx. He passed last year and this made me feel at home. Thank you for sharing this Peter. Always love this kind of content. This generation is almost gone. Covid took so many of these guys. Love seeing that some are still around.
That makes me sad, but it’s true that generation is a going breed. I’m not from NY but it has such a rich history that I really respect
Born in 1957..
Oh the Memories..
Welfare World today..
Defused Demographics..
I wish this country went back to “communities” I’m in my late 20’s and man even at my young age I don’t see “communities” anymore. Man I remember playing outside with the neighborhood kids in the Los Angeles area and my grandma whistling for me to come in for dinner. This video reminded me of my childhood. I wish social media did not exist, it’s ruining a lot of kids lives and making them anti social.
I believe the word you’re looking for is asocial, and yeah I agree. But it’s not like it’s going away anytime soon
BLM and the left are trying their hardest to destroy communites... What is it they call it "dismantle the nuclear family"
Asocial or a new found “social anxiety”
@@flaw3dgenius222 No one is trying to do that. What kind of far-right bullshit you on brother?
@@angryakinaya9029 It was part of the BLM manifesto. So absolutely nothing to do with far right. Go educate yourself a little.
Must have been cool, meeting a guy with the same heritage. I grew up with a lot of friends with Italian ancestry. I’m from Welsh, Irish, Scottish and German. I’m from Manchester and my family came to Liverpool when they first came to England. They came here as well as the States. No one feeds you like my Italian friends. We’re all one big family, all over the globe.
My dad immigrated from a small catholic village in south Lebanon in the early 70s and he describes his childhood much like how Rich did in this video. He tells me stories about when he first came to NYC and how he made many Italian friends because of the shared cultural and religious values. We love stopping by Arthur Ave. and getting cannolis from Gino's. This video made me extremely nostalgic haha.
From which village is your dad? I'm from the south too but 5 minutes from my village is a christian village. Salam from me to you guys.
Italians love Catholic Lebanese. Lebanon is absolutely beautiful.
@@jafar_mtr Ain Ebel!
@@eggyolked108 We love Italy too :) Che viva l'Italia!
@@eggyolked108 notice how they only like Arabs if they’re not Muslims 🤦♂️ Meanwhile this video is bragging about the Italian mobsters and criminals like it’s a good thing
Watched this all the way in Poland. Such a fantastic tour of the Bronx with an old school gentlemen. Man, those were the days, when right was right and wrong was wrong. Really enjoyed it, Peter.
Crazy how things have changed over the last four to five decades. Back then family culture was strong. Neighbors were like second family. Rich is proud of his culture, love seeing that
Changed for the better. NY was a hint sh!thole in the 60s and 70s.
@@mackdeen7021it hasn't you can't even challenge his points. Americans have no culture. You probably don't know your families history.
@@mackdeen7021I miss these small groups
@@mackdeen7021 Imagine these guys being nostalgic of wifebeatings, hunting colored people as a hobby, and claiming to be true Italians while going to a baseball game at the same time ROFL
Italian-Americans are such a Blessing to this nation of ours.
Yes🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹 PROUD
@@allhailmichigan9876 proud also bud
Tell that to cuomo and pelosi lol.
We called Sundays “Shouting Sundays “. It seemed there was always shouting, arguments or crying, Sundays were never lacking drama.
especially when there are Italian moms around
My wife's family is Italian and nearly every event turns into a shouting match; we don't see them anymore!
I miss those days when my Grandma Lucy made her homemade gravy, ravioli and antipasta. No cell phones. People talked and listen respectfully to each other.
A real authentic New Yorker. Such a rare treat to see such a person.
You should interview my mother. She’s 85 and was born and raised in Chelsea in a railroad flat with a shared toilet in the hallway and a “Tub” in the kitchen. The neighborhood was predominantly Irish longshoremen but is now Uber trendy with the high line. If you’ve ever seen On the Waterfront with Marlon Brando it was very much like that.
Chelsea, in Boston?
@@tiff10122 prob NYC with mention of the high line, and theme of the video
@@tiff10122 NY
@@tiff10122 Chelsea is a neighborhood in lower Manhattan
that's awesome.chelsea isn't like that anymore I'll tell you that. I was walking through there today, I had an apartment on 28th back in the day. Now I had to move uptown. its a different world now. Otro Mundo.
Peter, I've said it before and I will say it again; You are the ultimate people person. Keep doing what you are doing!
My grandfather was a fire fighter in woodlawn back in the 30s and 40s. Ladder co, 32. After my grandmother came to
identity his body the 2nd time, yes 2nd time, and he woke up in the morge (for the 2nd time!) My grandmother yelled! Thats it! You're retiring and we're moving to Florida. I grew up in Florida hearing bronx accents from my uncles, mother, and grand parents. I love it, makes my heart feel warm when i hear the accents from new york.
Thank you Peter for learning about this forgotten culture of Italian Americans. I lived it myself and everything Rich said is true. I can't wait for the next episode!
Even the racism part? Italians are the most racist!
American culture not Italian culture go back to italy
Go back to soccer
@johnmarshall4399 No soccer, Football, no Fiat, Cadillac
Best video. Tells us what is missing in today's society. FAMILY AND COMMUNITY. I'm not Italian but growing up all my girlfriends were Italian. I learned so much from these families and have taken on their traditions and values. I'm half Serbian and they also have the same value system. If my Aunts and Uncles were bad my grandfather took a switch of a tree and if he caught them they would get it. Its so sad today.
Most people, not all, do not no how to work hard and wait for things.
We can't go back to those days but if we could bring forward some of these values apply them today the US and Canada would move forward into a more positive future.
‼️ U DOHNT 👁👁 CHOMMUNITY,
Becuz uv smarht phonez 📱 , thay wur N R ohur dehcl👁ne N Sehpuration ‼️
‼️ @29:33 - Thee G👁 talking about kihdz alwayz ohn thur phonez 📱 N computer 🖥 ‼️
Sooo troo N F'N disguhsting 😡‼️
Unfortunately thee g👁 iz 100% chorrect, 👁 waz aht m👁 Brutherz houze lahst wheekend, hee haz 4 kihdz, one waz playing online gamez 🎮 ihn thee livihng room whith hiz bruther - whoo waz ihn hiz behdroom, thee gurl waz ohn her Lahptohp ihn hur roohm and thee uthur kihd waz ohn a cehll phone 📱 ohn thee lihving roohm couch 🛋 whith hiz mohm whoo waz ohn hur phone 📱 - literally thee whohle F'N tihme 👁 waz thair - excehpt fur whehn wee 8 BBQ, thehn r👁t bahck 2 thee dehvicez.
👁 Fouhnd iht sihckening & Dizrespehctful 🖕😡‼️
‼️🖕SIHK UV IHT AHLL 🖕‼️
NEWCASTLE CALIFORNIA,USA 🇺🇲
Type like a human That's the stupidest shit I've ever seen
@@stevemiller3991 yeah, that was weird...I mean I could read it, but...weird.
Well said. Many Americans don't care for family. It's only money they worship
Great episode, Peter! I grew up in Renton, WA in the 1950s & 60s. It was predominantly Italian and the guys you're talking to this day remind me so much of growing up.
You probably made this mans day going around and talking with him. That’s pretty cool
These are true salt of earth people. Pure respect. Guy at the end delivering the pizza. Gold
Thanks! for Sharing these things about Italian Culture. These people and things, ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER. ❤️ LOVE, ALICE
Boy can I relate. Growing up with 15 kids, all in the same neighborhood, playing sports in the street until dark. What great memories!
Love this guy! He is right! I didn’t live his same experience as far as an Italian American from NY. I’m Puerto Rican from New Jersry but what he said about the family values is right on with all cultures! Great Content!
Us Italians definitely have a ton in common with Puerto Rican’s. I said this to an older Italian once and he got mad LMAO. But it’s true. Respect bro 🇮🇹 🇵🇷 🇺🇸
@@redcomic619 why did that offend him ?
My mother is from Bushwick and she told me back in the day it was Italian. When she moved there in the 60s that's when Puerto Ricans like her came.in the neighborhood. They didn't like us very much
@@vliciouss Some Italians are ultra prideful people, depending on the time period and what was going on at the time of the perception of Puerto Rico or Puerto Rican’s, for example if Puerto Rico was known for poor slums at that type some would take offense to that kind of comparison.
Italians are Latin cultured also so obviously them and latinos have alot in common
Italian pride, culture, values, all true!
My mother was first generation American, her parents were from Sicily, so that makes me a proud Sicilian American. So much of the old ways are going away, sadly. Our
"Little Italy" was in Detroit, and I miss it so much! The bread is the best! Lol! 🇮🇲 🇺🇲🇮🇹❤️
A pity that the English culture to which you belong created the stereotype that being Italian in those times was synonymous with a mafia culture, Argentina received more Italian immigrants in those times than the United States and never created the stereotype that Italians created mafias. It was all a lie created by English propaganda that Italians created mafias because they hated the cultures of southern Europe. More Italians in Argentina in Argentina and did not create a single mafia, weird.
I miss the good old days. I’m 61 and grew up in a community in Seattle just like he’s talking about. Now just gangs, homelessness and drugs. Loved this episode and these Italian men.
Is it your hair in profile puc
Seattle is Antifas home city that and Portland. You get what you voted for.
@@JesusChrist2000BC give me anti-fascists any day of the week over literal mafiosos who insane people glorify and romanticize like they were a good thing.
Loved the two brothers. As a Frenchman that moved to the USA, watching and hearing those two Italian-American brothers remind me so much of France and my fellow Frenchmen. Similar physical traits, facial expressions, values, and culture. New York City has that rich European heritage that I miss here in the Midwest. I would love to visit those neighborhoods and meet their locals one day.
Midwest has Germans and Polish people, but they are deeply Americanized, so you don't get that old world immigrant vibe from them.
Why do you visit france instead of New York?😂
As a European I can tell you that French people are so superficial and not straightforward as Italians are so I don’t see what’s remembers you of France by seeing an old Italian American (Neapolitan) traits and way of talk remembers you to a Frenchman if you would say Spanish well that would be ok but French !! I lived in France for a good period of time Paris then Orleans and Marseille and it has nothing to do French people are so fake and rather speak behind your back stab you and gossip than telling you the truth in your face 😊
@@Jordi_Llopis_i_Torregrosa96 hey france and italy are friends. We sre eueopean. Im italians
You do know that France is Mediterranean too, right? Go to southern France and you'll notice our similarities. Not sure why you seem so upset. There really are no real reasons to argue. Peace, my friend.@@Jordi_Llopis_i_Torregrosa96
The East End of London has so many similarities with this area and era. Bethnal Green , Bow and Stepney in London was exactly the same. I feel very honoured to have been brought up in that time in that area with those morals. At the same time I'm incredibly sad how it has changed .The community worked so well, almost too well which is why it was broken up. It wasn't perfect but it worked. Gentrification has a lot to answer for. I feel that we need to capture as much info of these times before they are permanently lost forever. I love New York. Great upload!
Gentrification, mass materialism, and the internet create the modern urban dystopian nightmare
Social welfare programs did the most damage of all though. Welfare checks took the place of fathers.
Do something about it.
@@digitalgold1475 You'll need a time machine...to stop the 60s.
Mass Materialism, 100%
@@petebondurant58 More like stop crack
Thanks for this slice of nostalgia! I’m a Sicilian ex NYer and this video brought tears to my eyes. There was a lot of truth being told by Rich and the community Thanks again Keep on seeking the truth!
This was so incredibly enjoyable to watch! Please interview more of their generation and older. We need to hear about it. Cherish it. And maybe, some of us, bring it back. And they were right. We need discipline, tradition and respect again. Thank you for making this video.
this man is insane
This small slice of what neighborhood life was really like back in the 50s and 60s is like a time capsule - grateful you were able to capture it and share. There is something about hearing the stories and looking into the eyes - it just sort of sparks and brings them right back - pure magic!
I love the different views of generations compared to today. Definitely seem more community back then, now people are too busy or into their own world trying to get ahead
Thank you for this. It's heart breaking to watch the fabric of society/community being torn apart and coming to what we are seeing now-a-days. Can't wait for the next episode.
Things are fine, calm down.
He nailed it with the mom and dad part. I firmly believe that's 80% of all these American problems.
And the UK 🇬🇧🍀👍🏼
And then there are people who call the nuclear family the source of fascism lmao. People don't know what they are losing.
This is how society dies
It's not just that. It's that ppl treat each other like sh*t. I tried to get married, to find someone I could love and take care of.... everything is selfish drama. Parents being self centered and persuing their ____ I think was the fall and created the type of people I dated. My parents checked out of raising us when I was 8 or 9.
People have been saying that for years. Unfortunately I heard to many times... oh that is because of your religion...oh your old fashioned...blah blah blah. The stats just do not lie, you have a better chance at life with a mom and a dad.
the best community and fun to hang out in new york 🇮🇹
I loved our early Sunday afternoon dinners at my grandmas house. Just engorge ourselves with carefully rolled anti-pasta (provolone, cappicola, salami, with roasted red peppers, tomatoes and olives drizzled in olive oil) pasta, meatballs, sausage, bracciole and wine for the main course and for dessert, pig out on pie, fruits, nuts. After we were done eating, we'd all basically just pass out on the couch from eating too much. Great memories. Miss you, grandma.
We'd basically start eating between 3 and 4PM and go on until at least 6. It was always a good time and have lots of fond memories.
Rich is a great,well known sports writer in the Nyc area. He’s got a ton of knowledge.I’d love to spend a day with him,picking his mind. This was a fantastic video.one of the more enjoyable videos.thanks Peter
please do another one of these with rich, loved the vibe and everything about it.
I love the old-school NY Italians. They always have the best stories!
I am a proud Italian Brazilian! ❤️🇮🇹
I am proud to be SICILIANO(visto che tutti siete orgogkiosi del vostro Paese)
Love this, brings back so many beautiful memories. Grandmother lived there, spent every Sunday & Holidays with family. In 60’s neighborhood was safe, a woman could walk safely at night. I was fortunate to have these memories.
This guy should do guided history tours of the area, he’s has a lot of knowledge and he’s very entertaining.
My father is 1st generation American, and my mother is 2nd gen American. I was fortunate to grow up with my grandparents and even a great grandmother. Growing up Italian in Brooklyn is something I absolutely cherish and wouldn’t trade it in for anything else that could possibly be.
You didn't grow up Italian if you didn't grow up in Italy. Fucking meatballs.
I agree my grandparents were from Castellammare del golfo on my Father's side raised in Bensonhurst, my Mother's side has roots in Avellino, Campania, my grandfather came over as a Lil kid ,raised in Canarsie, my maternal grandmother family was from Veneto,..I grew up fully immersed in our great culture, with a large family and mostly all Italian friends in my crew since I was young,all over Brooklyn, Staten and LI,..
My mother grew up in the Bronx near Morris Park. She said kids would pack a lunch and walk to the "creek" which was off the highway near the Whitestone Bridge. There was also a drive-in theater. The "creek" is so polluted now...
1:58 - Brings back memories. I lived on Arthur Ave and 186th Street from 1990 to 1996. It was definitely a cultural mix. The people I knew, and worked with as a volunteer, were predominantly Italian-American locals that Rich Mancuso speaks of. I sensed a shift in the early 90's of Italians leaving, and a larger presence of Albanians to the community - there is history of Italy and Albania.
Lived there when The Bronx Tale was made. There was a guy called Eddie Mush who basically played himself in the movie.
3:44 - FBI designated Belmont (Little Italy in Bronx) as the safest neighborhood in NYC. I remember, when Rudy was running for Mayor in early 90's he said that to me. I had to correct him, and then mentioned what we were doing as volunteers - Fordham/Belmont Safety Patrol. We were basically the Eyes and Ears of the 48th Police Precinct, and patrolled the neighborhoods (in my 1985 Red Nissan Sentra - stick shift - with CB radios). We ended up getting funding and more advanced equipment, but it was our way of doing something and making a presence in our community. There was a statistical drop in crime and a partnership with local police established. For the most part, the issues were low-level addicts that roamed the neighborhood panhandling - this had a negative effect on tourists visiting the neighborhoods and restaurants at night. One time a prostitute came up to my car and asked me if I was interested - I rolled down my window and asked, "What part of this magnetic sign don't you understand?" My PSA is to figure out what's needed where you live, and then form a group to do something about it.
4:25 - What Mancuso is talking about we basically had in early 90's - COPS (Community Policing), where we had a small number of cops that specifically worked our neighborhood. I think it worked well. I sensed that there were still remnants of local Mafia running the place, but it was never overt. Several times we invited the local cops up to our safety patrol office to discuss what was happening. My takeaway was that the cops were limited by having to actually see something criminal happening. What we were doing was keeping close local track of trends and changes happening with various people/groups coming and going. It requires a multi-pronged effort to create change.
5:06 - He's absolutely right there. I remember cases where some local issues (typically drug-related) happened and people were given assistance they needed or treatment programs and oftentimes had to pay it back by working in a restaurant's kitchen. It all worked out. Mancuso would know who I worked closely with as a volunteer - Florence Petronio
5:41 - That's all I heard, and I didn't see any of it, though.
6:08 - Pastry shops. The smell of fresh baked bread in early hours of the morning. Cannoli's. Meatballs. It was freakin' awesome!!! Across the street from me was an open market - 17:24 - (groceries) and they always threw in something extra for me as a surprise. I gained many pounds....
9:24 - He's basically talking about community in an analog fashion. I see his point. Because nowadays a lot of social interactions are technology-based, we can miss the actual stuff right in front of us. That addict I mentioned early with the pan-handling - he was sent to prison for several months; came out clean; I had no idea he spoke fluent English; I tried to get him into our Safety Patrol; the next day he was hooked again because a dealer got to him. My point is that connecting with people on the ground, and knowing their story, creates for the sense of community that Mancuso is talking about.
14:33 - Surreal -- My old front door.
Bottom line - after I left in 1996, the concept of creating a community still is possible - "Neighbor helping Neighbor", which was part of our CERT program.
Good memories from Belmont - Little Italy in the Bronx.
Wow
You are right! 💯 I hung out all throughout little Italy and knew lots of people. But there was a shift! 😒
As an italian watching tales of my fellow countrymen from the other side of the ocean is always interesting
This takes me down memory lane to when I was a kid. My mom is from Staten Island, and dad is from Brooklyn. Both from italian families. Seeing this stuff reminded me to walking around brooklyn, seeing mostly italians. Now its all different. Many moved to New Jersey, followed by a move down south (like me). Italian culture had its time years back and sadly it is slowly fading away from the family style. Great video!!
Nahh we still run Staten Island. Thats our boro
@@CinCee- high taxes and democrats will continue to be the reason people leave nyc
I'm Italian and i would love to visit these streets. I agree with the guys, it seems we have a lack of discipline and sense of community in our society. I think it will get worse in future, this is sad.
It’s definitely going to continue to get worse. There is no return to the great ways of life.
@@tjl_8117 not everything was better back than. In fact there are alot of things that are better today
@@joedimaggio6261 hahahahahaha whatever you say Brain Wizard. We aren’t going down the road you fake SJW weirdos want to go. We are talking quality of life.
@@tjl_8117 whatever you say
@@tjl_8117 quality of life? People today live longer and have more disposable income and leisure time than they had in the good old days. Life was much tougher back than. Infant mortality rates were much higher. Shit my grandfather had many siblings who died right after birth.
My great grandmother came over from Italy and lived on Mulberry. I was born and raised in Hoboken, NJ; it was mostly Italian. It was all about family!
I like that old timer, he is real old school. You can tell he misses the past and I’m sure he wish it was the same but unfortunately things change and we have to move along with the times. Salute Peter Santenello, keep em” coming!! ✊🏼😎
I really felt it when he went on the rant against loud music on the street, that shit pisses me off
I've literally been in NYC situations where young guys (and 30+ to 40+ grown men!) have taken big speakers out of their vehicles and aimed the speakers🎛🔊 directly at the entrance to the barbershop business I go to and blasted🔊 dembo and merengue loud enough to be heard an entire Manhattan block 🔊. No exaggeration.
No regard for the barbershop or other businesses...
No regard for the apartments above or around... and no one said a thing to the young guys or "adults" because no one wanted to start an issue... Yet I always remember an old senior-citizen couple (literally laboring to walk!) who resided above the noise, complaining and shaking their head about how no one respected them (the senior residents).
@@m.worthy the thing is that you have to start something with them. you got to step up to them and tell them to turn it down. and there are a myriad of ways of doing so but you will only know which way to pick once your in the verbal square with them. i know its scaring.. f** it. the only way to get a barking dog to stop rushing at you is to bark back.
Do something about it. That's the problem is everyone thinks it's either some one else job.
Some one blasting music in your neighborhood throw a rock in the window. They'll stop trust me.
@juan2 & @saz
Jaja...😁...I appreciate you both trying to offer a suggestion, but _I'm not someone that needs to look to others for certain solutions_ . First off, the area I mentioned is a area in Manhattan that I get my haircut in. _I do not reside in that area (not my neighborhood, not my problem)_ .
Second, it is a tricky kinda situation because of the culture and ages of the males who are usually doing that. It is a situation where on one hand people accept that loud music as part of the "culture"🙄, and on the other hand there is the matter of respect for others not wanting to hear it.
Now, at other times in my life I have been in situations where I had to approach large groups of guys and ask that they turn music down...and they respected that I asked, so they turned music down or even off. The flipside to that is that you can encounter people who you don't know who also may not reside in the area they are being a nuisance or problem in, and you have no idea what will come of that nor exactly who nor what you're involving yourself with. _@Saz said "trust me" about a f#×%in' rock when I'm talking about total strangers who may have guns and do use them_ . _I'm not sure what world you throw rocks in, but the areas I mention, if you throw rocks be prepared for any type of immediate (and future) life altering response_ . _My experiences with those situations are in Chicago, Detroit areas, and throughout NYC. Places where the smallest arguments or disagreements can quickly lead to an extreme situation if handled incorrectly_ . Lived it... And of course, one can always call police for noise complaints...And call again..and again..and possibly create issues from doing that. So yeah, I appreciate your _"Do something about it"_ suggestions. In different places at different times long ago in my life I have done just that, but at this point in my life it is not an issue around my tranquil, nice, home environment.
*The example I originally used is from a busy, crowded, residential & commercial Manhattan area where I get my haircut* .
*I do not reside in nor near that area* . *The old people and others in that area who do need to **_"Do something about it"_** have to do so because it is their block and area* .
@Brandon May
_"No one wants to be the one to do what needs to be done..."_
*Lesandro Guzman-Feliz* (15)
If people in a "community" would have interceded on his behalf, that kid could still be alive today. If you're not aware of how his demise came, simply Google his name or look at the UA-cam links I attached at the end of my responses @juan2.. and @saz...(or any other detailed/graphic video footage).
Point being, sometimes _"the one who does what needs to be done"_ (in a unknown immediate environment) becomes the one who gets _"Large amounts of pain and suffering"_ (as you said).
Depending on the variables, place & situation, even something as simple as asking someone or a group of someones to turn down music, can lead to a situation one can't get out of...and as in *Lesandro Guzman-Feliz* situation, not a single person tried to intervene to save that 15 year young kid...No one wanted to be _"the one to do what needs to be done_ ."
That is really old-school and traditional for someone to deliver pizza like that my hat is off to him I wish it was still like that. It’s a true community.
so we'll done Peter. Rich Mancuso took viewers on a sentimental journey. Great insight of then & now. Bravo!
Proud to be Italian-American! Many of my family are from the same communities. Watching stuff like this makes me feel at home.
I'm italian and i'm with you brother
It's sad to think that once these guys are gone those neighborhood restaurants and delis will be no more. He's right, nobody wants to do that type of work anymore. Big box stores and chain restaurants will replace them.
He’s right about everyone looking out for each other in your own neighborhood. It’s definitely not like that now. Everyone is just a stranger to you in your own neighborhood. Bunch of small town people moving in.
@Jack Torrance facts👆🏻
I grew up near Arthur Ave and yeah the “numbers” game was a big thing we Puerto Rican’s called it “Bolita”. I grew up their in the 70’s so it pretty violent in my day.
I would love to go back at all the decades of New York. It’s such a vibrant city with so much change and history I absolutely love it here
My Italian parents grew up in the Italian neighborhoods of Montreal. My mom always speaks of a community that’s missing as well😢such a shame
Laval is defacto Italian territory tho
@@MCSROkickz not there-more of like the Montreal north and LaSalle neighbourhoods
@@theroadnottakentravel Lasalle is italian too yea and parts of Eastern mtl but theyre more mixed nowadays
@@MCSROkickz true but back in the day they were almost all italin
RDP is the strongest Italian stronghold. Many young prosperous Italian families here.
such a part of life that is disappearing that made us a community and a country. I feel the passion Rich has for the neighborhood - sadly many don't have that.
Fascinating video. I grew up nearby on park avenue back in the 70s. Moved out when things got bad. But I do remember the Italian and Puerto Rican’s kids getting along. Sure there were gang fights and bigoted thinking but our parents mostly got along. We went to the same Catholic churches and we could understand each other’s language. I recall many kids who were half Italian half puerto rican. Maybe others had different experiences.
Bigoted? Or we’re they just looking out for their own which is the opposite if bigoted?
Love watching walkabouts with Rich, He has figured lots on Action Kid channel, So much knowledge.
This is awesome!!!! I wonder if I could Google a walking tour with a guy like the one giving you the tour in this video (Richie). I love this, seriously man! Thank you for posting this, thank you. God bless you. I’d like to think my donation to your channel paid for that slice of pizza and drink. Thanks
I pulled up Google maps and walked with them thru street view.
This took me right back Peter, A pleasure to watch. 🇮🇹
Man i love this! Keep it up Peter. Reminds me of my parents who keep talking about when they grew up in the village back in Bosnia in the 70s, saying how beautiful life was back then & how everyone looked after one another.
Genuine dudes you don't find people like this anymore. I can't wait for the next episode!
WOW. What a great video.. I'm a mafia historian junkie so I appreciate d this big time, and he spoke on some many references I researched.
The restaurant I worked for when I was younger was (Rigoletto) on Arthur Ave and they was under Gotti. It's crazy because my adult years are in Arizona & ended up becoming friends with Sammy "The Bull's" daughter out here! 🤷🏽♂️
It’s the same across the world. I taught my grandson how to make and fly a kite and we got looked at like a pair of freaks on the beach flying that. But he was proud. He made it. And it will get passed on. Do stuff! Don’t watch other people do stuff!,
Exactly.. don’t just watch other people do stuff
I taught my daughter how to build a kite. Albeit we went on UA-cam to find out how but still bought nylon fabric, string and wood dowels and assembled it. The only time we used the phone, printed out the instructions. I told her use your imagination. We used to spend hours outside and no phones or internet available. Now kids say they’re bored if there is no wifi signal and that’s just sad. At least she reads a book.
This is probably one of my favorite videos you made in the US, looking forward to the next one with Rich. That pizza place looks awesome too!👍👍
rich seems like one of the coolest guys...just a great guy to talk about the past with...Pete as always , stellar work
Peter, you're doing an amazing job! Keep up the great work. Loved this one.
I grew up in Chicago. Life was simpler in a lot of ways back then. You did work hard for what you had but, you enjoyed what you had. We were taught to be respectful. We would go with my Irish mother grocery shopping on Saturday’s to help because, grocery stores closed early, nothing was open on Sunday. We went to Church on Sunday’s and went home to cook Sunday Dinner. When there was nothing left in the house to do, we would go outside to play for hours. I miss those days
Peter, please do more videos with Rich. I love listening to guys from his generation. I could listen to him tell stories all day.
This is awesome to see. Coming from Texas I get a different view of New York on the news as just gangs and liberals. Refreshing to see there’s still some of that New York Italian culture I wanted to experience as a kid.
Not to be the bearer of bad news but the mob is the ultimate gang in America. Organized yes, but doing the same thing gangs all over the world and country do
Seems like everything has changed for the worst. So sad to see that the Italian culture is disappearing in NYC... Thanks for sharing that knowledge of history !
What Italian culture are you referring to? These people are Americans who had some relatives from Italy over 100 years ago and have little or no connection to the country other than some culinary and religious traditions that people here (in Italy, where I am) would barely recognize today. They do not speak Italian nor could they tell you anything about the history or even name a couple of Italian authors outside of Dante or Boccaccio.
@@mediterraneanworld Its the Italian/American culture that is missing. The children of Italian immigrants were bilingual but more Americanized that would follow baseball instead of FIFA. Everyone, at that time, were from the same background so a friends house was exactly like your house. Times were different then because the vibe is gone, Italians gave better lives to their kids and Italians were no longer moving in they were moving out. the Like i said its Italian/American and yes its much different then Italy. For example more Italian Americans give money for a wedding gift other than a wrapped present.
@@ralphroberts5011 they gave up their identity because they were persecuted during WW2 - Italian was the second most spoken language in the 30's and 40's with so many newspapers and cultural events etc . .by 1950's almost all of that was gone as they assimilated very quickly in to mainstream Americana and also to distinguish themselves from other ethnic groups. I am not saying it is the fault of Italian Americans but they hold on to an identity that is very curated and inauthentic.
@@ralphroberts5011 Which children were bilingual ? part of the problem was that so many of the immigrants were illiterate in Italian and spoke some local dialect and thus could not even pass the language on to their children - in many ways this demonstrates how poverty and education can rob people of their culture and identity and how easy it is to lose it. Italians are not a monolithic group in America - many later arrivals wanted little to do with Italo-Americani and viewed them as peasants. Likewise the Italians who immigrated to California came from a different class and even region as you had to have money to go all the way to California in the 19th and early 20th century. That said many of these immigrants had little concept of Italy as we only became unified in 1860 - 1870 - which Italian unification is quite similar to the civil war in the USA minus the slavery but it did disrupt and impoverish a vulnerable segment of the population which is what led to mass immigration that was encouraged by the Italian government - get rid of the poor and let them make a pathway to export Italian products and capital!
@@mediterraneanworld Inauthentic?? No that is why its Italian/American. The immigrant parents wanted their children to be American with ties to their heritage. Its not Inauthentic at all.
Peter very warm and educational video about la familia , friendship and culture honor and respect on the people of our community save our American we need you, God bless you.
That's is a good ole slice of Americana history from a bygone era that will forever remain part of the country's heritage. That was a great homage to the Italians who have come and passed through the quaint neighborhoods of the mob/mafia times. Keep up the great work.
Peter definitely helping this dude from fully derailing the conversation to iffy topics...people say I'm anti-this...Christopher Columbus...we didn't have "that"...Props Pete.
Respectfully, I’m glad Peter didn’t censor the “iffy”topics, or views. When we censor, we miss opportunity to dialogue. Becomes too one-sided.
In other words, make sure the episode doesn't end up blocked by UA-cam and Facebook.
@@MS-ez1pe absolutely. But he definitely steered the conversation away from certain...opinions. Which I think was the classiest and polite choice
@@IAmDebbieTravisI agree, he was polite
The Sopranos. A legendary Italian-American mafia series.
Hi Ton, how you doing?
I enjoyed so much your interview with Rich Mancuso I love old school neighborhoods. I am from Chicago and I grew up in the fifties and the sixties I can relate to his stories. Thank you I admire Rich for allowing us to see the history of the Bronx. I admire you for doing this. I grew up here in Chicago and I lived here for 65 years. I want to visit New York city I want to go to the Bronx and see little Italy. I can see that it is more authentic that is why I will visit when I can go to NYC. I didn't know that the Bronx story was filmed in Brooklyn. Why? I don't understand this at all if it is about the Bronx. I saw the movie alot and I love it. Thank you again and Rich Mancuso is an amazing person. Kudos
This takes me back to my NY roots. Iove it🌻
I was just in New York and everyone told me the real Little Italy is in the BX….not the one downtown…i went there my last day and had some amazing food….
Nothing like the old Italian community! Great watching this and brought back many memories of Bensonhurst Brooklyn from the past.
With all respect to Mr. Mancuso and the Italian American community, I have to say something which may be unpopular. The Mafia was an issue back in NYC and other places and quite frankly I'm glad I didn't grow up in Sicilian American culture as a Sicilian American. A lot of them are close minded and a judgmental. Because I wasn't raised in the culture they used to say I wasn't one of them. My parents also didn't grow up in a big city either. Times change, people change. Family culture changes. They're used to the way things used to be which is understood. All of the NYC natives I know said the mafia was a problem back then. I loved the video and what the gentlemen were talking about. I just have a different opinion of things but I respect their wisdom and experience. I love Peter's channel also as they don't make them like him anymore!
Im Italian not sicilian... but I grew up here and wasnt part of the madia either... they did help tho
Yes! We all have selective memories… A lot of what he said was true but he just ignored the bad stuff…
Yeah it’s a lot of rose tinted glasses. I don’t doubt that everything good he mentions about the mafia is true, but he also forgets a lot of the bad stuff that outweighs the good stuff
I grew up in East New York, right next to ozone park where all the mafiosos were at. Never any problems in ozone park but eny was a shit hole. The mob kept shit out of their neighborhoods. Some aspects of their culture is flawed, but they did look out for their people.
As an Italian citizen, I'm glad that there's someone that sees those ghettos for what they were. I'm so fucking ashamed of the stereotype that I have to listen to from the movies, which are not even based upon life in Italy but were spread by the few ignorant bad apples that emigrated from the poorest and uncultured regions of our state to the US, and creating a weird idea of Italians.
These people came from regions that are among the worst parts of Western Europe and, while there are historical reasons why these regions were poor and oppressed, they also share a cultural heritage that is so archaic, patriarchal, and barbaric.
Even in Italy, it took the courage of heroes like Franca Viola, Peppino Impastato, or Falcone and Borsellino, to try to change that mentality, and some of them brought awareness to said problems only by dying as martyrs.
Peter this is one of the best videos I've seen you put out thank you
I have a very close group of buddies I grew up with in NY. Listening to this guy talk about some friends of his that have passed breaks my heart. The communities in these cities are tight.
Peter , you need to get to Howard Beach and start at Lenny’s Clam Bar. Lots of history in that town, both good and bad. Loved this walk through the OG Little Italy. Many fond memories of visiting there with my family and enjoying authentic and classic Italian foods.