DOBLE PRESENCIA O DOBLE RACISMO? INCLUSIÓN Y EXCLUSIÓN DE LOS JÓVENES DE SEGUNDA GENERACIÓN EN ITALIA

Abstract

The second generations (2G) do not have a static and homogeneous ethnic identity, but multiple and transnational identities. The lack of recognition as citizens and their perceived discrimination and feelings of exclusion often can have backwash on the process of reconstruction of identity and creation of hybrid identity as a synthesis between identity and difference. From the analysis of the interviews with 2G young people, collected in 7 cities in Italy, emerges the constant attempt to assert themselves through the transformation of “double absence” into “double presence” and of their invisibility in visibility. Our paper deals with the different ways of this transition comparing the interviewees’ narrations about their identity building process with the narration illustrated in the contents created by a group of web-moderators for the social media campaign of the european project OLTRE. The process of exclusion involves the use of economic, social or political power, and it generally has the purpose of legitimating exploitation, discrimination or exclusion of the group. Racism implies making predictions about people’s character, abilities or behaviour on the basis of socially constructed markers of difference. The power of dominant groups is sustained by developing institutions and structures (such as law, policies, administrative practices and discourses). This aspect is known as institutional or structural racism. How does the creation of their lives meaning change? Which are the elements engaged in their attribution of sense? How are the discrimination and racism experiences told? Which are the effects of these narratives on the trajectories of inclusion and exclusion of 2G people? The triangulation of our research shows many issues: the access to citizenship could be a basis for the process of inclusion; the storytelling of the discrimination persistence at school, at work and on the street.