English on Purpose

Elections for Europe’s parliament are now officially over. As predicted, throughout the continent right-wing parties coasted to victory in nearly every single contest. Aided by a combination of failing economies, the scapegoating of immigrants, and low voter turnout, the stunning victory of avowedly racist parties such as the United Kingdom’s BNP (British National Party) inspired newspapers such as The Guardian to run front page features today asking whether fascism was resurgent in Europe, for the first time since 1945.

Italy’s version of this trend is of course parties like the Northern League. Champions of clear and arresting posters like these, the message being promoted – hatred of Muslims, in particular – places the organization in the vanguard of European parties currently emphasizing anti-immigration as a significant part of their platforms. Located two blocks from our apartment, on a street heavily frequented by Arabs and south Asians, I can only imagine what this design may have made passers by feel. Some welcome card, indeed.