Roberto Vannacci will be a guest this evening at 7.15pm at the ‘Festival del Sud – Valentia in festa’ to present his book ‘Il mondo al Contrario’ and the controversy immediately begins in the social world. Vannacci’s book immediately divided public opinion and his presence at the Festival del Sud sparked a series of protests on social media. And on Instagram there are also those who launch a petition inviting those who believe it is inappropriate for the south to be represented by a “voice of hate and lawlessness” to sign.
This initiative reflects the discontent of a part of the community who sees in Vannacci a figure unsuitable for embodying the cultural and social values of the south. “Not my festival, not the Vibo Valentia festival, not the festival of the South”, writes one user while another adds: “You cannot be tolerant with the intolerant. Give space to such personalities within a festival which aims to promote culture is a ridiculous and aberrant choice.”
According to some, the choice to invite Vannacci cannot be justified with freedom of expression when this turns into a vehicle for offensive content, while others question the contribution that figures like Vannacci can make to the critical thinking of the community. The seventh edition of the ‘Southern Festival’ takes place in Vibo Valentia from 15 to 17 April and is promoted by the Valentia Association.