NYC Italians vs. Philadelphia Italians

[Suburbia]

Is it ironic that although Eric Adams was a tough on crime Black cop did not win NYC Italians in southern Brooklyn and Staten Island in 2021 but Michael Nutter won Philly Italian areas overwhelmingly in 2007 and 2011 and Cherelle Parker and Amen Brown are likely to do well in Bridesburg, Somerton, etc.

Why is that?

When these areas are similar?

[kwabbit]

If I were to guess, it's the fact that Italians comprise the largest White ethnic group in NYC but not in Philadelphia. Given that American politics is racially polarized, it would make sense that the largest White ethnic group would control the local Republican machine. In NYC, Italians have controlled the NYC GOP for so many decades that the two are often one and the same and the party is a vehicle for Italian interests. However, in Philly the local GOP doesn't serve as a vehicle for Italians, but instead more for the Irish. Thus the Philly Italians view politics through a less local/machine mindset and more through a nationalized mindset.

[vitoNova]

Staten Island/Bay Ridge guidos are practically indistinguishable from Puerto Ricans in terms of hair gel volume, side-fades, and silly haircuts.

Yes.  I've been to the Richmond Mall.  I've seen it all.

And if you disagree with me, you are wrong.

[King of Kensington]

NYC Italians are closer to the immigrant experience, there was a second wave in the 1950s-1970s.  You're much more likely to hear Italian spoken in Bensonhurst or Howard Beach than you are in South Philly. 

[ProgressiveModerate]

If I were to guess, it's the fact that Italians comprise the largest White ethnic group in NYC but not in Philadelphia. Given that American politics is racially polarized, it would make sense that the largest White ethnic group would control the local Republican machine. In NYC, Italians have controlled the NYC GOP for so many decades that the two are often one and the same and the party is a vehicle for Italian interests. However, in Philly the local GOP doesn't serve as a vehicle for Italians, but instead more for the Irish. Thus the Philly Italians view politics through a less local/machine mindset and more through a nationalized mindset.

As an NYC Resident, I will second this. On a much more local level, there seems to be so many examples of Republican Italians to where it's almost become like part of that community's identity.