The Don

Vito Corleone (born Vito Andolini) is a fictional character Mario Puzzo ‘s 1969 novel The Godfather and in the first two of Francis Ford Coppola’s film trilogy. Vito is originally portrayed by Marlon Brando in the 1972 film The Godfather, and later by Oreste Baldini as a boy and by Robert De Niro as a young man in The Godfather Part II (1974). He is an orphaned Sicilian immigrant who builds a Mafia empire. 

Vito Corleone, like many mob boss characters in “The Godfather” and similar works, often embodies harmful stereotypes about Italian Americans, masculinity, and criminality. He’s portrayed as powerful and ruthless, reinforcing the idea that men must be dominant and violent to succeed. This glorification of toxic masculinity perpetuates harmful norms. Additionally, the depiction of Vito romanticizes criminal behavior, which can lead to negative stereotypes against Italian American communities. Women in these stories are often sidelined and portrayed in traditional roles, reinforcing the idea that they exist to serve men. Overall, these portrayals contribute to the normalization of harmful gender norms and stereotypes in pop-culture, highlighting the need for more inclusive and equitable representations.

Characters like Vito Corleone often represent traditional forms of masculinity, emphasizing dominance, aggression, and emotional stoicism. When these traits are celebrated in pop-media, they influence how individuals perceive masculinity. Men may feel pressured to obey to these ideals, leading to feelings of inadequacy if they don’t. These portrayals also affect relationship dynamics, as men who embody this image may struggle to express vulnerability or connect emotionally with partners, leading to strained relationships. Additionally, these representations reinforce societal gender norms, suggesting that men should be dominant decision-makers, which can perpetuate inequality. 

In summary, the portrayal of masculinity in pop-culture, exemplified by characters like Vito Corleone, shapes societal attitudes. By promoting more diverse and subtle representations, we can challenge harmful stereotypes and foster healthier notions of gender identity.