Fears about a revival of fascism in Italy have increased as the influence of the far-right continues to make inroads. The signs are many, all the way from a proposal for segregated public transportation to citizen patrols organized by the anti-immigrant Northern League and even a crackdown on ethnic food outlets. Recently Berlusconi poured scorn on the idea of Italy being or becoming a multi-ethnic society.
What is most disturbing is the seeming acquiescence of Italians in the face of these developments... mere decades after their forebears overthrew the dictatorship of Benito Mussolini.
The latest news involves the Italian National Guard and the fascist-style uniforms that have raised concerns about the return of the notorious blackshirts. The Guard claims to have thousands of recruits, some with a police and military background. They will be a presence in Milan once a controversial security bill is passed. The bill will allow foot patrols to help police combat crime.
The presence of the Guard on the streets will put fear into immigrants and other 'undesirables.' It's an intimidation tactic in addition to being an anti-crime initiative. Some citizen patrols are already underway in Italian cities with the backing of the Northern League.
The leader of the Guard, Gaetano Saya, told Corriere della Sera that the organization is based on the Roman legions... no less than a praetorian revival.
The uniform reflects more than just a Roman influence. It features the Nazi Black Sun symbol on the armband, the eagle of the Roman Empire on military style caps and other sundry emblems - giving the uniform a slightly farcical but also sinister appearance.
The favorite fascist color is also in evidence... black belts, black gloves, black hats and helmets, black ties... maybe even black underwear. Mussolini would be impressed.
What is it with Italians seeming infatuation with the far-right? Is it nostalgia for the glories of of a bygone empire... or perhaps some lingering xenophobia that has been lying low just waiting for a chance to re-emerge from the shadows?
The opposition Democratic Party is keenly aware of the dangers. They have warned that these types of groups set a dangerous precedent and harken back to Italy's fascist past. Leader, Dario Franceschini, said "There was a period in Italy's history in which security was entrusted to people who went around in shirts of the same color and we don't want to return to that."
Fascist symbols and slogans are still against the law in Italy as a result of laws passed after World War 2, but this hasn't proved a major obstacle where the National Guard is concerned. According to Maurizio Monte, deputy head of the Guard, the organization has been officially registered.
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What is most disturbing is the seeming acquiescence of Italians in the face of these developments... mere decades after their forebears overthrew the dictatorship of Benito Mussolini.
The latest news involves the Italian National Guard and the fascist-style uniforms that have raised concerns about the return of the notorious blackshirts. The Guard claims to have thousands of recruits, some with a police and military background. They will be a presence in Milan once a controversial security bill is passed. The bill will allow foot patrols to help police combat crime.
The presence of the Guard on the streets will put fear into immigrants and other 'undesirables.' It's an intimidation tactic in addition to being an anti-crime initiative. Some citizen patrols are already underway in Italian cities with the backing of the Northern League.
The leader of the Guard, Gaetano Saya, told Corriere della Sera that the organization is based on the Roman legions... no less than a praetorian revival.
The uniform reflects more than just a Roman influence. It features the Nazi Black Sun symbol on the armband, the eagle of the Roman Empire on military style caps and other sundry emblems - giving the uniform a slightly farcical but also sinister appearance.
The favorite fascist color is also in evidence... black belts, black gloves, black hats and helmets, black ties... maybe even black underwear. Mussolini would be impressed.
What is it with Italians seeming infatuation with the far-right? Is it nostalgia for the glories of of a bygone empire... or perhaps some lingering xenophobia that has been lying low just waiting for a chance to re-emerge from the shadows?
The opposition Democratic Party is keenly aware of the dangers. They have warned that these types of groups set a dangerous precedent and harken back to Italy's fascist past. Leader, Dario Franceschini, said "There was a period in Italy's history in which security was entrusted to people who went around in shirts of the same color and we don't want to return to that."
Fascist symbols and slogans are still against the law in Italy as a result of laws passed after World War 2, but this hasn't proved a major obstacle where the National Guard is concerned. According to Maurizio Monte, deputy head of the Guard, the organization has been officially registered.
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