I COLPITORI: A CULTURAL REVOLUTION IN MODERN ITALY

Beatrice Corsini

This initiative, rooted in a manifesto that resonates with a diverse array of professionals, aims to reignite public discourse and challenge societal norms through a unique blend of cultural and sporting metaphors.

At its core, The Strikers movement draws parallels between the resilience required in boxing and the challenges faced by contemporary Italian society. The group posits that Italy, much like a boxer on the ropes, has the potential to rewrite its destiny despite overwhelming odds. This analogy serves as a powerful rallying cry for those who feel disenfranchised or overlooked in the current social and political landscape.

The movement's name, "I Colpitori," is a deliberate choice that seeks to redefine the concept of "striking" in society. Rather than advocating for violence, the group likens its members to the focus mitts used by boxing trainers—tools that absorb blows and redirect energy in a constructive manner. This philosophy underpins their approach to addressing societal issues, emphasizing transformation and regeneration over destruction.

One of the key tenets of The Strikers is the reimagining of educational roles. The movement draws a compelling comparison between teachers and boxing coaches, arguing that both are tasked with nurturing the hearts, values, and dreams of the younger generation. This perspective aims to elevate the status of educators and highlight their crucial role in shaping society's future.

The Strikers also challenge the notion of speed and progress championed by early 20th-century Futurists like Marinetti. Instead, they advocate for a measured approach that values resilience and perseverance—qualities embodied by the boxer who rises after each fall. This ethos is particularly resonant in a country grappling with economic uncertainties and social challenges.

Sara Capolungo

Literary allusions feature prominently in the movement's rhetoric, with references to Franz Kafka's assertion that "literature is a fist that wakes you up" and Ippolito Nievo's belief in literature's power to inspire generations. These intellectual underpinnings lend depth to The Strikers' mission, positioning it as a cultural revolution with far-reaching implications.

The founder of The Strikers, driven by a deep love for Italy and a sense of civic duty, envisions the movement as a catalyst for change. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and a desire to contribute meaningfully to society, the initiative is described as an "avant-garde first step" towards a more heroic vision of life.

Linguistically, The Strikers movement highlights the pervasive use of boxing terminology in journalistic, media, and institutional communications. This "linguistics of the strike," as termed by the movement, underscores the symbolic power of boxing metaphors in everyday discourse, even extending to religious contexts, as exemplified by Pope Francis's use of pugilistic terms in his teachings.

As The Strikers gain momentum, they position themselves as the "sparring partners of contemporaneity," challenging Italians to confront societal issues head-on and fostering a collective spirit of resilience and hope. This innovative approach to cultural and social reform has sparked intense debate and garnered support across various sectors of Italian society, signaling a potential shift in how the nation addresses its challenges and envisions its future.

I Colpitori founders and Manifesto shoot by Maurizio Pavone