Fascism feeds on symbols. One place, one historical fact, one anniversary is enough to attract the attention of thousands of militants. Some are just nostalgic. Others are batsmen in actual permanent service in stadiums and groups active throughout the region. From cities to small towns in the Italian provinces. Just like the meeting in Rome on the evening of January 7th. Like municipal councils where extremist groups get themselves elected. However, today there is still a place that embodies all the symbols of fascist ideology, fueled by hatred and racism. And who led the world into the tragedy of World War II by allying with Nazism? Benito Mussolini was born in Predappio, in the province of Forli.

With violence reemerging everywhere, as our map shows, perhaps it’s time to pause and reflect. And to choose a place that would become a memorial to all victims of political hatred in Italy. From the martyrs of Benito Mussolini’s regime to the excesses of the civil war. Among the thousands of Jews who never returned, women and children who were murdered in reprisals. That is, until the recent spate of deaths from terrorism, red or black, that bloodied Italy’s Cold War. A place where names, photographs, small objects of everyday life are collected. And don’t forget who the victims are. Well, it could be the birthplace of Benito Mussolini, and it could be entrusted to foundations and associations that can direct the project. If you accept our petition, send your name and surname by e-mail to fabrizio.gatti@citynews.it.

Austria prevented the building where Adolf Hitler was born from becoming a pilgrimage site by using it as a police station. In Predappio, the birthplace of the Duce was transformed into a museum where twenty years of fascism have been commemorated for several years, although not openly: with exhibitions and historical events that continue to attract sympathizers from all over Italy. To this are added the rallies organized by Italian neo-fascists in honor of Mussolini every July 29 (birth), October 27 (march on Rome) and April 28 (shooting).

All you have to do is take a look at the social media page “Casa Natale Mussolini” to experience the spirit of the commemoration ceremonies sponsored by the Municipality, which owns the property. If these were held in another museum, they would certainly be exhibitions of historical importance. But in Mussolini’s house they have strong celebratory and hagiographic value.

Some of the headlines published in the organizers’ posts are: “When Predappio flies: He who flies is worthy and wins”; “The land of Mussolini: Luigi, Alessandro and Benito”; “Badoglio telegrams… The African dream of empire”; “Primary school in twenty years of fascism”; “The war of wheat and autarky”; “Young Mussolini”; “Propaganda comics in Italy from their origin to 1945”, with copies of Peperino’s Abissinia, Il Balilla, La Piccola Italiana. Even though the exhibition is dedicated to Dante Alighieri, “the most Italian of poets,” in the poster the famous features of his face are pitted against those of Benito Mussolini, represented in the “Permanent Profile” by the futurist sculptor Renato Bertelli.

In recent years, no mention has been made of crimes ranging from Milanese shirtmaker Teresa Galli, the first victim of fascist violence in 1919, to socialist secretary Giacomo Matteotti, murdered in Rome on June 10, a hundred years ago. by the fascist team that kidnapped him. Not a word is said about the anti-fascists who were massacred before and after the march on Rome. And for the thousands of Italian Jews abandoned to extermination by the Nazis. From Predappio’s perspective, fascism seems merely the saga of dreamers, aerialists, artists, industrialists and successful urban planners. Therefore, the birthplace of Benito Mussolini should be the monument dedicated to the victims of political hatred. If you accept our petition, send your name and surname to fabrizio.gatti@citynews.it.

Fabrizio Gatti

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