The report highlights the prevalence of anti-immigrant rhetoric during Italy's election campaign, paralleling similar trends observed across Europe. This discourse, which emphasizes fears of immigration, has been used to justify the defense of existing borders and the promise of zero immigration, all under the guise of protecting national identity.
Key factors contributing to this discourse include:
Political Dynamics: The rise of the Northern League (Lega) party, which advocates for "zero immigration" and the protection of Italian identity, has attracted other political forces towards more restrictive immigration policies. This dynamic is not unique to Italy but is a broader phenomenon in European politics.
Strategic Calculations: Other political parties adopt a hard-line stance on immigration because it resonates with voters. The majority of the immigrant population is often excluded from the electorate, making immigrants an ideal scapegoat in political campaigns. Additionally, the fear of immigration among native voters, particularly those who feel threatened by diversity and inequality, contributes to the popularity of such policies.
Media Influence: The portrayal of immigration in the media is often distorted and stereotyped, focusing on negative stories that reinforce security concerns. This has contributed to a public perception of immigration being a significant issue.
Historical Tensions: Historically, Italians have had an unfavorable view towards foreigners and diversity. This context allows for the successful exploitation of anti-immigrant sentiments in political discourse.
The report also warns about the potential collateral effects of this rhetoric, including the distortion of reality and the legitimization of violent actions against immigrants. It notes that over half of Italians believe there are twice or three times more immigrants than actually present in the country, indicating the impact of the discourse on public perception. The incident in Macerata, where a fascist militant attacked immigrants, underscores how this rhetoric can lead to violent acts.
In conclusion, the report argues that the use of words not only shapes our ideas but also our reality, emphasizing the need for responsible language usage in politics. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangerous interplay between discourse, perception, and action, and the potential for rhetoric to fuel both fear and violence.