In the framework of our editorial mission Multikulti on the Ground , cafebabel.com is posting over 40 young journalists and photographers 'on the ground' in the context of multiculturalism in European societies.

Multiculturalism in Italy: a Roman cocktail

Is Italy racist? This is the question posed by European media, some of which don’t hesitate to point to a lethal dose of racism particularly following the murder of two Senegalese in Florence. However, four journalists and a photographer sent to Rome by cafebabel.com chose instead to talk about the multicultural imprint of a nation which counts 5.4 million immigrants from non-EU countries. Of course, it’s not all sweetness. The Roma continue to battle for a decent future, while young Italians are fleeing a country which is losing its identity. However, second generation immigrants are aware of the civic role which they can play, while the piazza Vittoria in central Rome is a multicultural epicentre, a mixed drink shaken up in the most open of kitchens. In the view of these diverse facts, cafebabel.com is serving up a Roman cocktail which will warm you to embrace the ‘other’, turning away from the bar-side brawls stirred up by press-gang headlines. (Image: © Ehsan Maleki)

FEATURE

My beautiful camp: Italy's Roma success stories

Between a Roma camp claiming to be an example of social integration and a laundrette which is a supposed symbol of multiculturalism, profound problems linger at the heart of Rome’s gypsy communities

by Matthieu Amaré @ // 21/12/11

roma, multikulti on the ground, human rights, discrimination, rome, politics, racism, society, best of cafebabel.com, association

FEATURE

Multiculturalism in Piazza Vittorio, Rome

Rome's Piazza Vittorio Emanuele was once a prime example of integration, but today some residents claim that the area has since become overrun by 'Chinese trash culture'. The good news is that there are efforts to unite the district's inhabitants through art

by cafebabel.com @ , Christina Heuschen @ // 16/12/11

music, multikulti on the ground, immigration, rome, culture, integration, society

FEATURE

Second generation Romans in multicultural Italy

The facts point out that they are important for the country’s economic growth, but they are still stigmatised by the ruling class and forgotten by the law - what do young Romans Puia, Fatou, Queenia and Franck say?

by Quentin.P @ // 16/12/11

multikulti on the ground, immigration, umberto bossi, rome, mario monti, politics, multiculturalism, illegal immigrants, society

DEBATE

Multiculturalism in Italy: emigration and exodus

Not only are Italy's privileged leaving their country as fast as immigrants are arriving in Italy, but when they do move abroad their perception of their own national identity naturally changes. A new open-minded multi-cultural sensibility contrasts with the mindset of their parent's generation, but will they stay attached to their homeland?

by Sophie Inge @ // 14/12/11

economy, university, immigration, multiculturalism, society, education system