The entry of migrants into Italy is not a new phenomenon, given their proximity to the north of Africa, but recent economic and political circumstances in Italy have re-opened the conversation about just what it is to be Italian, especially for the million or so Italian-born children of migrants who due to the peculiarities of Italian law, lack citizenship until they turn 18.  It’s a situation that was made famous by the young Juventus striker Moise Kean, who was fast-tracked into Italian citizenship in order to represent the national football team.

A recent paper published in Social & Cultural Geography explores this demographic, and what it means both for Italy and Europe as a whole.  A particular focus of the article are Afro-Italian women entrepreneurs, who are making a unique impression on the narrative around both immigrants and Italian’ness itself.

The entrepreneurs specialize in fashion, and are using the Internet to build their businesses.  The businesses not only challenge the norms of Italian beauty, but the very concept of ‘Made in Italy’.

Shifting norms

The new ‘Italian’ness’ brings together traditional Italian styles with unique sub-Saharan and Latin American influences.

“This marriage of African fabrics, colors, and patterns with Italian style stands in contrast to media depictions of an ‘African invasion,’ “ the author explains. “It counters resurgent racist narratives that immigrants are lazy or taking away jobs.”

The entrepreneurs are gaining a considerable following, both in mainstream media and on social media, with this helping both to build a community around their work but also to mobilize the rights of black women in Italy.

The paper suggests that this introduction of new styles has given Italy back some of the cosmopolitan flair it had lost in recent years, with these new generations acting as a cultural bridge between an increasingly insular and far-right Italy and the rest of the world.

A complex situation

The situation is far from straightforward however, as whilst this 2nd generation of migrant is making a clear contribution, they are often lumped in with the latest wave of migrants who the media and politicians alike have labeled as unproductive.

“Citizenship can be a path to racial inclusion for Italian-born children of black immigrants, but at the same time, the reform of these laws could also become a tool of oppression against black refugees,” the author explains. “Potential allegiances among black citizens-in-waiting and black refugees can’t be taken for granted.” Some activist youth worry about alienating themselves from their own immigrant parents as they pursue citizenship by portraying themselves as “authentically Italian.”

They believe that the failure of nationalist politicians to accurately represent them, has combined with the failure of citizenship reform legislation to embolden a new wave of Afro-Itlian activists to take matters into their own hands.  This group are thinking beyond Italies borders and connecting with similar struggles elsewhere.

“Looking at the children who are being born in Italy today, the big question is who counts as Italian? Who counts as European?” the author concludes. “Afro-Italian youth political activism is shifting to focus on anti-racism through broader black diasporic alliances. They are finding the answer in solidarity.”

With migration as hot a topic as it has perhaps ever been in Europe, it’s a story that perhaps the entire continent needs to take notice of.