Race in Post-Fascist Italy: 'War Children' and the Color of the Nation

This book explores the persistence of racial thinking and racism in post-fascist and postcolonial Italy, using personal testimonies and historical sources to illustrate Italian and American responses to the issue of brown babies born at the end of World War Two. It reveals the pervasiveness of anti-Black prejudice in the early democratic republic and the presence and limitations of anti-racist sensibilities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 219 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This captivating book delves into the profound experiences and representations of the "brown babies" born at the end of World War Two, as a result of the encounters between Black Allied soldiers and Italian women. It explores the enduring legacy of racial thinking and racism in post-fascist and postcolonial Italy, employing a diverse range of historical sources, including personal testimonies and cinematic portrayals. Through meticulous analysis, Silvana Patriarca sheds light on the varied perceptions of race and color among various actors, including state and local authorities, Catholic clerics, filmmakers, geneticists, psychologists, and ordinary individuals. Her work is richly detailed, providing a deep understanding of the profound impact these perceptions had on the lives of these children. By uncovering the prevalence of anti-Black prejudice in the early democratic republic and examining the presence and limitations of anti-racist sensibilities, Race in Post-Fascist Italy offers a valuable insight into Italy's complex and often conflicting reaction to its growing diversity. This insightful exploration of a pivotal period in Italian history is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of race and identity in post-war Europe.

ISBN-13: 9781108994026