Remembering Peppino Impastato, A Hero of the Anti-Mafia Movement Published on iItaly.org (http://www.iitaly.org)

Remembering Peppino Impastato, A Hero of the Anti-Mafia Movement

Francesca Crozier-Fitzgerald (May 11, 2011)

On May 9, 1978, Peppino Impastato was found murdered near the train tracks of his hometown in , . Today, thirty-three years later, anti-Mafia activists remember his influence and continue to fight for the end of organized crime.

Imagine for a moment if every film, television series, or book about the Mafia focused on those affected by its cruelty rather than on those perpetuating it; if mob-classics such as The Godfather trilogy, Goodfellas, or The Sopranos focused on the families devastated by organized crime instead of romanticizing the lifestyle of a powerful boss; if those of Italian descent rooted their pride in the martyrs of the anti-Mafia movement rather than fictional figures like Michael and Tony Soprano. Falling for Hollywood’s interpretation of the Mafia’s origins and evolution is as dangerous trap. It distracts our attention from the true heroes of this compartment of Italian and Italian American culture: the men and women who died trying to end the epidemic of organized crime.

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If things were different, and we focused instead on those who devoted their lives to the deconstruction of the Mafia, one name would come to mind immediately—, commonly known as Peppino. As this May 9th marks the thirty-third anniversary of his brutal murder in his hometown of Cinisi, Sicily, his bravery and achievements are worth recognizing.

Although Cinisi was not a town that necessarily glorified the Mafia, they did consciously ignore its existence and power. For Peppino Impastato, this was far more disturbing. It meant that his family, friends, and neighbors were fully aware of the despicable actions of the mafiosi, but frightened and silenced into apathy. Growing up, Peppino watched this poisonous culture infect his own family. He witnessed his uncle murdered in a car explosion organized by the Mafia; parts of his body were splattered on the trees. He watched his father sheepishly obey Cinisi’s boss, , in order to remain safe and friendly. Considering these events, Peppino was deeply ashamed by his family’s involvement in the Mafia and refused to be associated in any way. He would not live under the same roof as any friend to the Mafia; even if they were his own blood.

To vocalize his discontent, he joined the PSIUP, The Italian Socialist Party of Proletarian Unity, and founded the newsletter, L’idea Socialista. In 1976 he started a self-financed radio station titled Radio Aut. He was getting his voice heard, regardless of who wanted to listen. On the most popular program, Onda Pazza (Crazy Waves), he would confront, speak out, and publicly denounce the atrocities occurring around town due to the Mafia’s presence.

Peppino was fearless. His life was fully devoted to broadcasting the atrocious behavior of the Mafia bosses, and he continued to do so despite many warnings from friends and his mother to cease this dangerous endeavor. Badalamenti and his comrades were enraged by Peppino’s audacious commentary, and like any powerful regime would be, the Mafia was determined to shut him up. Without shame, they brutally murdered the thirty-year old visionary on May 9, 1978 by placing TNT under his body and leaving him near the train tracks in Cinisi.

Peppino’s death was devastating to his fellow activists, his listeners, his family, and close friends who tried to advise him to just stay quiet. While the Cinisi Mafia organization may have sought relief in his murder, the anti-Mafia movement was only strengthened after his death. On the first anniversary after his death, the first national demonstration against the Mafia was organized. This year, throughout the streets of Cinisi, , Sicily, and all major cities throughout , forums of young and old men and women marched to remember Peppino’s name and voice. They invoked his spirit for the strength to continue working toward a future without Mafia corruption.

The Mafia in Sicily, Cosa Nostra, still exists and the anti-Mafia movement still marches against it. The nightmare is not over and blood is still shed on both sides. New revolutionaries have evolved, such as author of Gomorra, Roberto Saviano, who lives each day knowing the Mafia will try to take away his pen and silence his voice. Redemption, it seems, continues to rest on the shoulders of those Peppino tried to reach through the radio threads; the people who knew the true danger but chose ignorance instead of action; the people who watch mob classics and are entertained instead of horrified. As organized crime is undoubtedly an international affair, it is an international responsibility to rise against it.

Source URL: http://www.iitaly.org/magazine/focus/life-people/article/remembering-peppino- impastato-hero-anti-mafia-movement

Links [1] http://www.iitaly.org/files/peppino11305134502png

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