I declare myself an anti-fascist. I write it, I say it, and I demonstrate it with my vote, in the streets with both young and old, wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with female partisans and a Palestinian flag waving from my window.
Being anti-fascist doesn't just mean opposing a specific historical period. The young people I engage with often ask me: what does it mean to be anti-fascist today? Is it really necessary to declare it? My answer is yes, it is essential to affirm it. Not only in Italy and for young Italians, but for all those young people worldwide for whom anti-fascist values are fundamental in the pursuit of democracy and freedom. Even those who lack a deep understanding of history must grasp some basic principles: respect for others, regardless of ethnicity or culture, the safeguarding of essential freedoms, the rejection of violence against the vulnerable, and the resistance to anything that fosters oppression, authoritarianism, injustice, anti-democracy, and prejudice.
Anti-fascism is a crucial term, a word we often utter with hesitation, as if it belonged to a bygone era. Yet, it is a word with significant relevance even today, representing a worldview, a belief opposed to all ideologies that deny space for freedom, the protection of human rights, and justice for the oppressed. So, what does it mean to be anti-fascist today? It means opposing fascism, which certainly no longer appears with castor oil and a Duce haranguing from balconies, but with new forms and neologisms that insidiously infiltrate political debates, public discussions, and educational contexts, gaining an increasingly dangerous foothold.
In light of recent events, such as the violent assaults by CasaPound on a journalist and the incitement of hatred against ethnic, religious, migrant minorities, and those of different sexual orientations, we cannot deny that there is a crisis in anti-fascism, despite its continued presence. This crisis stems from generational isolation, the lack of dialogue, and the absence of bridges of understanding, both within families and schools, which have evidently promoted anti-fascism inadequately and weakly.
However, while some young people embrace far-right movements like CasaPound, we cannot ignore the massive solidarity movements of many other young people who, although not politically active, demand social justice, environmental rights protection, defense of the vulnerable, and human rights. Expressing one's values doesn’t only happen through the ballot box but also in the streets, and I firmly believe in youth participation in promoting anti-fascist values.
For those unfamiliar with the story of the Cervi family, I invite you to read the following and prepare a plate of pasta, which today will hold even more special meaning.
On July 25, 1943, following the meeting of the Grand Council of Fascism, Mussolini was deposed and arrested.
After 21 years, the rule of the Fascist Party came to an end. The Cervi family did not immediately learn of Mussolini's fall, as they were busy working in the fields. It was only on their way back home that they encountered numerous people celebrating. Although they knew the war was not over, they decided to celebrate the event, a moment of peace after 21 years of fascist dictatorship. They procured flour, took butter and cheese on credit from the dairy, and prepared kilos of pasta.
Once it was ready, they loaded the cart and brought it to the town square of Campegine, ready to distribute it to the townspeople. It was a full-blown celebration, a day of joy amidst the worries of the ongoing war. Even a young man wearing a black shirt, perhaps the last one left, was invited by Aldo to join and enjoy his plate of pasta.
Always anti-fascist, happy July 25th to all who fight for liberation and against fascist and dictatorial regimes.
It might be because of this that, like my grandfather, I have an undying love for pasta.
Thank you IG floramei_thepositiveseeds for the usual postcards for solidarity!
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