Oh I agree 100%. Northerners (a polentoni) don't speak so highly of Sicilians (terroni). One is a polenta eater and the other a terrorist. LOL
Italians are seen as well educated, high class, modern, opera-like, well spoken, they let things just be what they are. Sicilians are seen as guttural in language, stubborn, lacking in education and manners, not to mention the whole holding a grudge forever thing. That's the way the 2 are perceived. Especially the town where I am when I stay in Sicily. The most backward place you've ever been. When I stay in Sicily, you have to see the attitude they can get towards northerners vacationing there as well. Sicilians are a very extremely proud people and have an unbelievable chip on their shoulder. That will never change. BUT, all Italian CITIZENS have to deal with one another, just like in the States.

It's immigrants, (especially ones causing crimes against Italians) that Italians and Sicilians alike don't like. Causing crime in your own country is one thing, immigrants, such as the Romas coming in illegally and causing crime, that's another.