Is Italy a sexist nation that openly engages in the exploitation of its women? Well, having traveled through Italy I know that it was not uncommon to see racks full of magazines and newspapers plastered with pictures of scantily-dressed (or naked) women. These fine publications were in full display and they weren't of the Playboy or Penthouse variety---these were regular news magazines and newspapers. Sex sells, right? Take, for example, this collection of ads from the Italian clothier Relish Clothing that depict policemen roughing up young female "suspects". These ads were plastered on billboards all over Italy---yes, even the one of a cop grinding a woman's face into the pavement. These ads went even farther into the depiction of violence and degradation of women than did the 2007 "gang rape" ad by Italian clothing designers Dolce & Gabbana. Sure, companies often try to "push the envelope" when it comes to sexy advertisements, but most are contained within the pages of magazines---not on billboards for all to see.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been implicated in various political and sexual scandals in his tenure. His second wife is divorcing him and claimed that he "consorts with minors". His other alleged sexual exploits include having sex with a prostitute after a party and having a relationship with an 18 year-old underwear model. In addition, Berlusconi faces a bribery trial hearing and is being investigated for possible connections to the Mafia. Despite these and other scandals, Berlusconi has not suffered much politically and maintains great popularity among Italians. Berlusconi has claimed publicly that he is "no saint" and remains unrepentant over his transgressions.
Berlusconi is also a brazen sexist pig, who has repeatedly publicly degraded women. In an NPR story on Berlusconi, they cite many of his horrifically tasteless quotes, such as this one in which he states that "Women are 'God's most beautiful gift to men.' In order to prevent rape, 'we would need as many soldiers as there are beautiful Italian women.' " The report also cites how "Berlusconi, 73, boasts of the good looks of his party's young female members of parliament, dismissing the opposition ranks as menopausal." In response to charges that he slept with a prostitute, Berlusconi retorted: "For those who love to conquer, the joy and the most beautiful satisfaction is in the conquest. If you have to pay, what joy is there?" As if that wasn't enough, Berlusconi called in to a talk show and said to female opposition parliament member, Rosy Bindi, "You're more beautiful than you are intelligent."
So, you may be saying to yourself, "How the fuck does this corrupt sexist idiot not only still have a job, but also enjoy widespread popularity?" Well, I guess as in advertising, sex sells. Prime Minister Berlusconi may not be a "saint", but that is evidently what many find appealing about this man. In some respects, one can see some parallels between Berlusconi and Bill Clinton in regards to their personal-made-public foibles. It's great theatre---or at least a national trashy soap opera. That's why talk shows like Maury Povich and reality shows like Big Brother exist---who can truly not rubberneck when they pass a car crash?
Anyway, to further heighten the absurd seeming approval of Berlusconi, the Italian edition of Rolling Stone magazine declared this man their "Rock Star of the Year". Rock star? I thought this guy was an elected leader of a powerful European nation? Rolling Stone editor Carlo Antonelli says that the editorial staff unanimously nominated Berlusconi because he has the "lifestyle worth of the greatest rock star" and that "Rod Stewart, Brian Jones, Keith Richards in their prime were schoolboys compared to him." Well, I wish I could say "ROCK ON!" to this ridiculous choice, but the only thing that can be said is "Walk on", as in "walk on out of office, you sexist pig."
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