I didn't find the osteopathic allusion particularly offensive.
The character, Jackie Jr., who made the comment, is an idiot. Not only would he not qualify for DO schools, but he is so ignorant that mispronounces osteopathy as "Osteo-pathy."
His attitude actually reminds me of a number of MD wanna-bees who consider "going DO."
One of the real strengths of the Sopranos is that the dialog is often so close to how real people actually think and speak.
As an Italian-American, I am very rarely offended by the Sopranos. The shows portrayal of cultural stereotypes is usually quite nuanced and accurate.
Though, some people are so insecure that they really have a tough time laughing at themselves. And, they are therefore way too quick to complain.
The only time I was offended by the show was the episode where Chris and Paully get lost in the woods. Granted, they were totally out of their element, but they were portrayed as completely incompetent nincompoops.
Sorry if anyone finds this offensive/unPC/provocative, but I have a slightly related observation/question.
Has anyone else noticed that there seems to be a disproportionate number of Italian-Americans that go to DO school, especially on the East Coast?
Any idea why?
Are there elements in our culture that are particularly compatible with the osteopathic approach?
Perhaps it is because of our comfort level with physicality and touching?
Or, is it because years ago, our applicants suffered from discrimination at elitist, anti-catholic, WASP allopathic schools? And, we now have more connections to the DO world?
