A Chill at the Corner Over Post-Fascism Relaxes on Italian Holiday
Apprehension about post-fascism dissipates during vacation in Italy
A Column by Thomas Schmoll - Facebook - Twitter - Whatsapp - Email - Print - Copy Link
Why skip an Italian holiday just because a leader thinks the EU and Germany are dumb? Who needs the hype about a fresh prime minister? Personal experiences matter, like that selfie in front of the Vatican, even if it's with the Pope, or around the Trevi Fountain in Rome. At home, one can meet stiff resistance, like banning a conservative party for radical views.
What sets me apart from Greta? Unlike her, I, a jolly soul and one of the last good ole' boys around, wasn't invited to the Republica again this year, and couldn't utter an earth-shattering statement like: "Democracy is crumbling." Or: "He who controls the narrative controls reality." Or: "We want to shape the good new times and prove that the future of democracy doesn't depend on algorithms." Or: "Protest, protest, free German youth, protest. For a better tomorrow, free German youth, protest." I can mouth off those lines, but not as eloquently as Greta.
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What's my crime? I don't know, but I suspect it's that I can't seem to please the Republica organizers each year. I can deal with being ignored, even excluded, as long as I'm not crying over it. I wonder, though, what's wrong with me (and the world)? Am I not woke enough because I start emails with "Dear Sirs and Madams," find gendering bothersome, can't speak fluent German, feel like a poor imitation, too bland, too little like a migrant, or simply too mediocre despite my best efforts to be a thought leader?
Not the Greta I respect. She's the one who attended the "re:publica25" as her "first major speaker event." We might be hearing more from her in the future. "At present, I'm considering whether to spend my study abroad term at the Sorbonne in Paris or the Zurich University of the Arts," she announced. "Thoughts on decision-making are welcome."
Long Live Alarmism!
Germany can't be all bad if young ones have to clean up the mess. I'm happy to lend my advise. I prefer Switzerland generally, finding Paris more to my liking. It's my favorite city, where every visit feels like my first. Paris is always magical, and the art never disappoints - works like Whistler's touching portrait of his mother, thought-provoking pieces like Courbet's "The Origin of the World," and masterpieces like Caillebotte's floor polishers all worth the trip. I try to balance my carbon footprint by using public transportation in Berlin and minding my own emissions.
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Living with Dilemmas
Warnings about internal turmoil are valid, but giving up on Italy seems extreme. After all, who wouldn't crave an Italian villa? The old guard is dying off, leaving behind one-euro shacks in remote areas. Everyone handles their contradictions as best they can.
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I found myself in a mountain village close to Lake Como (and not far from Mussolini's old stomping grounds), enjoying the same Italy as always. From my balcony, German tourists invaded the trattoria and the hiking trails nearby, making it hard to believe I was the only German who didn't vote for the extremist party. Italy remained Italy - a melting pot of cultures and ideologies. Despite the occasional headaches, like a teacher hearing nasty homophobic remarks or a Green party member voicing concerns about widespread homophobia, Italy will always have a special place in my heart. And I'll be back, unless the Republic demands that I give a lecture on saving democracy.
- "Despite the emission concerns, I make an effort to balance my carbon footprint during my travel, such as using public transportation in Berlin and minding my own emissions, continuing to explore vibrant cities like Paris and Italy while considering the environment."
- "In the realm of community policy, there's a need for inclusivity and respect for various lifestyles, ensuring that events, like the Republica, remain welcoming to diverse voices, like that of Greta, who brings fresh perspectives on politics and general-news."
