BRING ON THE NUBILES

Perhaps unwittingly, but then again perhaps not, Bologna University are guilty of backing Silvio Berlusconi’s dumbed down and sexed-up representation of Italy in the 21st Century.

In the new poster campaign for the Polo di Romagna  the four branches of the University in this region – Ravenna, Forlì, Rimini and Cesena -  are represented by four sexy Caucasian  super-heroines – two blondes, two brunettes.  ‘Le Fantastiche 4′ are personifications of Berlusconi’s new Italy and a marked contrast to The United Colors of Benetton branding of mixed race harmony.

Herr B has shamelessly declared that Italy is not a multi-ethnic nation – a move motivated by the desire to label foreigners as enemies of the state and destroyers of liberty.

I’m a ’straniero’ here myself but since I’m white and English that apparently doesn’t count. Africans and Eastern Europeans get a rawer deal. Instead of embracing diversity and looking for ways of implementing a humane policy of immigration the right wing  Freedom Party (sic) is bent on delivering  sound bites that kow-tow to Fascists and bigots.

On top of this, the recent exposure of Berlusconi’s harem furthers the principle that  beddable babes trump women with brains.

To use sex so blatantly to market higher education is indefensible at any time,  but is particularly misguided at a time when the sordid details of Berlusconi’s private life expose the rampant chauvinistic culture at the heart of his government.

~ by boldray on July 9, 2009.