Sylvester Stallone's “Rocky” is universally considered a classic film. Winning numerous Oscars, launching Stallone's own acting career (perhaps not the best long-term consequence...) and inspiring several people to climb the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, virtually everyone cheered for "The Italian Stallion" in his fight against Apollo Creed and knows Rocky Balboa as a household name. However, what most people don't realize is that the film contains several ideas related to the Italian-American identity and coincides with many stereotypes and images previously presented for Italian-Americans. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The most obvious clue to Italian-American identity is the setting of the film itself. The action of “Rocky” takes place in Philadelphia, a city located on the East Coast. The immigration point was Ellis Island, and the east coast is full of vibrant Italian-American communities. Virtually all of the notable examples of cinema involving Italian-Americans are set on the East Coast (“The Godfather” [New York], “Goodfellas” [New York], “The Sopranos” [New Jersey]) and “Rocky” is no exception. . Additionally, “Rocky” is set in the seedy suburbs of Philadelphia. This is a commentary on how Italian-Americans throughout history have not had the means to live in affluent neighborhoods and are associated with “sketchy” urban environments. “Rocky” also addresses several Italian-American stereotypes. The titular character in question is relatively dim-witted, naive, and is seen as a brute who is only good for his physical abilities. This conforms to the Italian-American “palooka” stereotype found in other boxing films such as “The Golden Boy” and “Raging Bull.” The mafia stereotype is also present. Rocky works as a "collector" for a local mobster named Gazzo (another Italian-American). The “Romeo” stereotype also has a slight representation; Rocky relentlessly pursues Adrian in a frank, confident and decidedly "pushy" manner, all characteristics of the way "guidos" court. Despite all these less-than-remarkable appearances of Italian-American stereotypes, there are some positives present as well. . Rocky works hard and is focused to the point of stubborn behavior, a characteristic that many of us associate with Italian-Americans when we did the preconceptions activity at the beginning of the semester. Also present in that activity and in the film was the belief that Italian-Americans always try to improve their own social condition and that of the people they love. Rocky is not satisfied with the cards life has dealt him and trains incessantly to prove Apollo Creed, which represents a fulfilling and successful lifestyle. Also, I think Rocky sees that Adrian isn't living a life that satisfies her and courts her with the intention of making her happier. Another interesting finding was that the film is also a very subtle commentary on race relations. Italian Americans and African Americans have come into conflict due to the fact that they have historically shared the same areas of life, conditions and social status. It seems like too much of a coincidence that Apollo Creed is African American. Perhaps the fight between Rocky and him is the representation of a much larger battle. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Of course, it is possible to enjoy “Rocky” without noticing or liking any of these details. Despite all the points offered in this essay, one could simply write it off as a story of American underdogs and still sleep soundly.