Ciao Ousmane: The Hidden Exploitation of Italy's Migrant Workers

Ousmane Diallo, a 26-year-old Senegalese olive harvester, lost his life in 2013 when a gas canister exploded in a Sicilian field. Hsiao-Hung Pai's film "Ciao Ousmane" exposes the dehumanized Other, the people hidden behind foods and goods branded "Made in Italy," who are systematically segregated and exploited in Italy. It is a bitter, frank, and moving tale of racial capitalism, against which workers constantly find new ways to organize and fight back.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2021
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Ousmane Diallo, a 26-year-old Senegalese olive harvester, tragically lost his life in 2013 when a gas canister exploded in a Sicilian field. As an African migrant, he received limited mourning, despite the prevalence of such narratives. However, the events of Ousmane's life and his untimely death are not uncommon. Across Italy, African workers toil in the fields that contribute to Italy's status as one of Europe's largest exporters of fruit and vegetables. These workers, who have fled their home countries ravaged by colonialism and global capitalism, arrive on European shores only to face systematic segregation and exploitation. They have endured anti-migrant policies enacted by administrations across the political spectrum for decades. Trapped in dehumanizing living and working conditions, they become the dehumanized "Other," intentionally invisible by design. They are the unseen faces behind foods and goods proudly labeled "Made in Italy."

Ciao Ousmane is a powerful story that sheds light on this subordinated class. Through the lives and stories of Italy's migrant workers, Hsiao-Hung Pai exposes the hidden truth of how the state and society construct "necessary outcasts." This is a poignant, frank, and emotionally charged tale of racial capitalism, against which workers continually find innovative ways to organize and resist.

The film delves into the experiences of several African migrants, including Ousmane, who have found themselves trapped in low-paying jobs and subjected to exploitative conditions. It highlights the systemic racism and discrimination they face, both in the workplace and in their daily lives. The workers are often isolated and marginalized, with limited access to basic rights and services.

Despite the challenges they face, the film portrays the resilience and determination of the migrant workers. They form communities and organizations to advocate for their rights and support each other in their struggles. They also engage in collective action, such as strikes and protests, to demand better working conditions and fair treatment.

Ciao Ousmane serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of racial capitalism and the need for systemic change. It sheds light on the experiences of the marginalized and oppressed, and encourages viewers to question the dominant narratives and systems that perpetuate inequality and exploitation.

The film also raises important questions about the role of the state and society in addressing the issue of migrant workers. It highlights the need for policies that promote integration and social inclusion, rather than discrimination and exclusion. It calls for greater awareness and education about the experiences of migrant workers, as well as efforts to address the root causes of their migration, such as poverty, conflict, and climate change.

In conclusion, Ciao Ousmane is a must-watch film for anyone interested in understanding the realities of racial capitalism and the struggles of marginalized communities. It provides a powerful lens through which to examine the human cost of inequality and the need for systemic change. Through the lives and stories of Italy's migrant workers, the film offers a glimpse into the hidden world of the "Other," and encourages viewers to recognize the dignity and humanity of all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 146 x 222 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787384699