The whole Jewish/Italian debate

Some of the ongoing arguments about whether or nor the Costanzas are Italian and/or Jewish are giving me the creeps.

News flash for some of you: It's possible to be Italian AND Jewish. The two are NOT mutually exclusive.

Of course debates as to what religion the Costanzas are, and what nationality their ancestors were, are valid. But please stop turning the debate into an "either-or" affair. Proving that they are or aren't Italian does not simultaneously prove that they are or are not Jewish, and vice versa.

Thank you for your attention. You may return to your homes now.

Yes,its true that Jews have a lengthy history in Italy, going back centuries. However, the allgedly "Jewish " characteristics that people cite to prove the "jewishness" of the Costanza's are consistent with the cultural attributes of Eastern European,Ashkenazic Jews who come from countries such as Russia or Poland, (such as the eating of kasha by Mr.Costanza,etc.)not with the traditions of Italian Jews, whose customs are naturally,more Italian. Also, to my knowledge, as a New York Jew,there has been little or no substantial immigration of Jews from Italy to the New York area, although there are many Middle eastern and Sephardic (Spanish) Jews from the Balkans. So, basically,the Jewish characteristics of George and his family are due to the characterization of the actors who play them,all New York area Jews originally(although Jason Alexander is from Jersey!)

In article , Michael says...

What's a Jewish characteristic and what's a New York characteristic? Face it, nearly everyone in New York for a generation or more uses the same Pidgin Yiddish expressions and eats Jewish foods. It's in the fibre of the city's culture.

What I find amusing is the Jewish identity themes that are so strong in this newsgroup are obviously avoided on the show. In reality, Jerry & Elaine would spend an inordinant amount of time worrying about Jewish issues and whether someone is or isn't Jewish. As for Janeane Garofalo, if she isn't a little bit Jewish, how did she get through the filter to be on the show? I thought it was a requirement for cast and crew.