Barbara Stefanelli (photo by Carlo Furgeri Gilbert).
TO it was better to say it than anyone else Massimiliano Caiazzo. The actor – 23 years old, among the protagonists of Sea Outsidethe record-breaking TV series – called for “male emancipation”.
And perhaps someone feared (or not feared) having before them a soldier inspired by the World unlike General Roberto Vannacci.
The young Neapolitan artist continued by explaining about wishing for “the end of the censorship of men’s sensitivity”.
And again someone will have despaired (or rejoiced) at the idea that in Generation Z, which includes those born between 1997 and 2012a breach was opening in favor of the supporters of the traditional and exclusive “normality” advocated by the retired soldier.
No witchy feminists, possibly a few working mothers (better at home with the children, perhaps more than three), homosexuals hidden from sight and ignored by the laws, a menagerie populated by intertwined denialisms. Above all “real men”, destined for the front line and at the head of the table.
What Massimiliano Caiazzo wanted to say, however, is the opposite of Vannacci’s world. The part of sensitivity chained by censorship is the one that does not recognize itself in the “virile strength” as they have told us, immutable, as if it were a version sacred to the Gods and generated by Nature.
Goodbye to the old divisions of destinies, roles, muscle groups. No more male children being asked not to cry and to win all the competitions; no more girls asked to stay calm and lower their voices. Enough with that dark tangle of cultural distortions, prejudices, clichés that lead men of all ages – even young and very young men – to think they have a proprietary right over their partners.
A right so deep-rooted and inalienable that it leads them to beat, stab and kill when fleeing from physical and psychological abuse. After all, Aren’t we the country where honor killings persisted until 1981? So if a man killed his “cheating” wife, sister or even daughter, he could enjoy all the extenuating circumstances and not end up even a day in prison?
Massimiliano and many other guests of the Women’s Timethe party-festival of Corriere della Sera staged at the Triennale Milano from 7 to 10 September, they gave voice and substance to what we here have always thought.
That Violence against women is a men’s problem. That things will change – and will change – as soon as the desires and behaviors of males change. That they will finally feel how right it is – and how beautiful it is, better for everyone – escape from the toxic labyrinths that divide us, tighten us, constrain us, they exhaust.
How do women convince themselves that they share the old division of roles and powers? Write to us at [email protected]
All articles by Barbara Stefanelli
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