“Italians first”

By David Bidussa*

The widespread conviction maintains that the State is not on the side of its citizens, that the authorities are not performing their tasks, that the citizen is alone and that only one choice exists: to die or to act. This is part of the reason behind the enthusiastic reaction that the slogan “Italians first” is receiving. “Italians first” has its origin in disappointments and loneliness. It expresses a condition of sadness that has been going on for a long time. For all those who believe in it, June 2 is not a day of celebration.

*David Bidussa is a historian of social ideas.