Beppe Grillo

Beppe Grillo is one of Italy's most famous comedians. He is infamous for his satirical commentary and dissection of Italian politics, economics, power, the environment, technology etc. He is a fascinating contrast to the closed 'free press' in Italy and manages to spread his message largely through his live shows and blog. His blog page is translated into English and can be found at www.beppegrillo.it/eng.

Yesterday he posted the following article which raises the issue of the abuse of children. In Naples it's evident that gypsy children are abused and misused as they beg on the streets, busk on the trains, pickpockets and scam people, try to wash windscreens at traffic lights. Coming from Australia it's one of those things you don't really appreciate until you've seen it yourself.

Ogre or Blind
In the city around us there’s a separate world. A world of ogres, blind people and victims. The ogres are squalid delinquents who exploit children. The blind people are us. Us when we turn away to the other side. The victims are children of five/eight/ten years old who are begging at the traffic lights.
Or they are playing the fiddle and too ashamed to ask for money, have their eyes towards the ground. Children who are beaten if they don’t collect a few hundred Euro a day. Children obliged to steal. Imported into Italy to sell themselves publicly on the streets.
Once upon a time, on seeing a child on his own, in difficulty, we would give him a hand. We would ask his name. We would take him to the town hall, to the police, to the church. We would offer him a sweet, an ice cream, a hug.
Between the blind people and the delinquents there’s a fine line. A very fine line. It’s not easy to grasp. In Milan, in front of a cemetery, the Musocco, the children from the East are low price merchandise. It’s certainly thanks to globalisation. Once upon a time they cost more and the risks were greater. Now it’s all much easier and more convenient. It’s not necessary to go abroad to have the pleasures of the flesh. In a few years we’ll be able to order them at home.
Today I want to publicise a number: 114, for child emergency. If you witness abuse of a child, don’t turn away, but telephone 114. Do it for yourself, not just for the children. You’ll feel better afterwards.
Posted by Beppe Grillo on September 12, 2006 12:13 AM in Wailing Wall Send to a friend