Quote:
Originally Posted by
El Argentino 
I was being facetious, NYR - thanks for affirming that. Didn't think anyone would take that seriously. Especially with the use of "teh" and other obviously misspelled words so as to suggest jest...
I normally feel well-versed in at least understanding the politics behind the basics of footballing rivalries. Italy has flown under my radar because of my lack of knowledge of "the culture." Anyone want to break this clip down for me as to why Napoli in general feels so wronged by the Italian government, what that stems from, history of the region and unification, etc?
It's an impressive clip though - I think I'd be the last one to say they should be chastised, fined or whatever, inasmuch as footballing grounds have long been the only place where extreme nationalistic feelings have been allowed w/o violent suppression (ie throughout Europe in the 20s, 30s, 40s, and all throughout the eastern bloc during the Cold War, let alone South America, Spain, etc. where I have more experience).... IMO the minute they lose their right to believe as they do is when it starts infringing the rights of others. As historically messy as the one-arm salute may be now, you can stand there and look fascist all you want; the moment you in some way physically harm another b/c of your beliefs is where the line is drawn and all bets are off.
(Preparing for blowback)
EDIT:
It should be noted that in general I don't support disrespect of national anthems, etc. I think that the Catalán dispute in Spain is generally blown out of proportion. I dislike when people disrespect the national anthem in various US sports. But while not agreeing with their views, claims to separatism, whatever - I think a person has every right to express their opinion, however charged or wrong it may be.
Eager for CL today. Hoping its the standard walk-in-the-park for Madrid today.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mark Anthony
El Argentino - your question re: history of southern grievances
That is a big topic but a real short answer is it is not just Naples but the entire south of Italy in general. To start when the country unified, the protectionist measures by southern monarchies was dismantled which hurt Neopolitan industries the most. Once that shifted to northern cities like Torino & Milano the new centralized government re adopted protectionist measures ensuring the south could not catch up again as it locked down growth to the newly established northern industries.
That and via mainstream media it appeared that a well orchestrated demonizing of southerners as lazy took hold over the decades. The term "terroni" being cast towards southerners. The media being controlled by northerners for the most part.
Plus centralized state raised taxes which was easier to absorb where the economy was stronger (the north) and it spiraled from there.
Pre unification the south was not quite as well off as some would lead you to believe but it was sustainable and nothing like the disaster that unfolded in the 50s and 60s. You will see that is the time of the biggest migration to American, Canada and elsewhere. Which is why you see North American Italians are so disproportionately from the south.
Hope I did that justice.
Mark Anthony, very well surmised. The only thing I'd disagree with is the bolded part.
The Two Sicilies had the third largest economy in Europe pre-unification, only behind England and France, and in general the people were happy. Napoli was a center where art, business and learning thrived under Bourbon rule. The price of food and the taxes were some of the lowest in Europe, and while all was not perfect, it would have been a different place today had the government been able to evolve like most European monarchies. Of all the "Italian" states in 1860, he Two Sicilies had 9 times more gold in reserve than the next wealthiest state, the Papal State. The Piedmontese, (whom Garibaldi fought for) was laden with debt to England. When they took over, the coffers of the government as well as personal properties were basically looted to pay their debt, and build the northern industries up to make them sustainable and profitable, while the South was left to rot. My family were one of the many who had lands stolen from them and given to corrupted collaborators who helped Garibaldi, and later the Piedmontese, take full control of the South. They stayed on to fight the Piedmontese for a few years, but as it became fruitless, we left for America, one of the first Southern exiles to arrive in NY in the late 1870s. Southerners were then used to fill the ranks of the military, and through military campaigns in Africa and Albania as well as the continued campaign in the South where a brainwashing of the youth in school began and Italian nationalism was taught, focusing on the cultural elements and "successes" of the North. Today, many Southerners do not even know the true history, and if you ask some of the old timers here in the States, they'll tell you of their distaste for "Italia".
Fast forward to today and the mass migration of Southerners all over the world, and you'll see us everywhere. You'll also see, if you head north, that most of the people "working" in these big cities are Southern "exiles", yet the myth of the "lazy" Southerner is still propagated by mainstream Italian media. The "celebrations" of the 150 year anniversary of unification has again brought the subject of what was before to light, and one author in particular has begun a strong fight to rewrite Southern history and show southerners what the truth is and why their plight is what it is today. I personally hope for a separate and independent Southern State one day, as I feel its the only way for Southerners to restore their culture, way of life, and pride completely. i also feel the people who are in the best position to do this are not in Italy, and many do not even speak Italian, which just makes the plight more challenging. Its in the hands of Southern Italian emigre who have amassed fortunes elsewhere, to rediscover their roots, and support a move for an independent South, which is why I was so disappointed that the English translation of the single most important work of Southern Literature was so poor, Terroni, by Pino Aprile.
If you want to read more, check out the blog in my signature,,,
And oh, Balotelli was pure class yesterday, but City certainly did not deserve a point...but I'll take it.
