corriere.it
Unequal Remembrance: Italy's 1970s Terrorism
Journalist Michele Brambilla's book, "I peggiori anni della nostra vita," examines Italy's 1970s political violence, highlighting the stark contrast in how the victims of far-left and far-right terrorism are remembered, noting the lack of remorse and accountability from perpetrators on the right.
- How does the lack of public acknowledgment of far-left terrorism affect the historical narrative of this period in Italy?
- The differing remembrance of victims reflects the differing fates of the far-left and far-right groups. The far-right's continued presence and partial ascension to power allows for a more potent remembrance of their victims. Conversely, the lack of public acknowledgment of the far-left's victims diminishes their presence in collective memory.
- What are the key differences in how the victims of far-left and far-right extremist violence during Italy's 1970s are remembered, and what factors contribute to these differences?
- In Italy's 1970s, a mimetic, grotesque reproduction of civil war unfolded, marked by violence from both far-left and far-right extremist groups. The legacy of the far-left's actions is less visible due to a lack of public acknowledgment and remembrance of their victims, unlike the far-right.
- What are the long-term implications of the historical imbalance in the understanding of the far-left and far-right extremism during the 1970s in Italy, and how can a more balanced perspective be achieved?
- The disparity in the historical record between the far-left and far-right terrorism highlights the need for a more balanced and complete historical account of this period. This imbalance results in a skewed understanding of the political violence of the era and its lasting effects on Italian society. Further investigation into the motivations and actions of all parties is crucial for a comprehensive understanding.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the narrative by highlighting the lack of repentance from the right-wing, thereby implicitly suggesting a greater moral culpability. The emphasis on the lack of confession from the right-wing, contrasted with the confessions from the left-wing, shapes the reader's perception of the relative guilt and responsibility of each side. The title (if any) would further influence this framing.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, though the repeated emphasis on the lack of confession from the right-wing and the mention of the book title "I peggiori anni della nostra vita" ("The worst years of our lives") subtly influences the reader's perception. The selection of the quote about lack of repentance carries a strong implication of guilt.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the lack of repentance from those involved in right-wing terrorism, while acknowledging the repentance of some left-wing terrorists. This omits discussion of potential motivations for a lack of confession from right-wing perpetrators, such as fear of reprisal, loyalty to a cause, or the effectiveness of past cover-ups. The article also omits discussion of potential systemic factors that might have enabled or encouraged the right-wing terrorism.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by implying that only left-wing terrorists have repented while ignoring the complexities of motivations and consequences for both sides. It oversimplifies the issue by focusing on repentance as the sole measure of accountability and moral responsibility, neglecting other forms of accountability, like imprisonment or historical record.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the lack of accountability for perpetrators of right-wing terrorism in Italy during the 1970s, hindering justice and reconciliation. The imbalance in acknowledging victims of left-wing and right-wing extremism, and the limited information available about right-wing terrorism, indicates a failure in establishing strong institutions and achieving justice for all victims. The quote highlighting the lack of repentance among those involved in the right-wing terrorist attacks further emphasizes this point.