Diego Fusaro's anti-Erasmus tirade sparks cat-storm on social media

Philosopher Diego Fusaro, known for his ambiguous blend of Marxism, nationalism, and anti-globalism, ignited controversy on August 20, 2017, by urging students to abandon Erasmus study abroad programs in favor of compulsory military service. In a Facebook post, he described Erasmus as a tool to re-educate youth into post-national globalism, stripping them of national identity and cultural roots, and leading to 'feminization.' He contrasted this with the 'virile' past of mandatory military service. The post came shortly after a terrorist attack, drawing criticism for its timing. Fusaro's remarks were met with widespread mockery online, particularly after a preceding post where he condemned the 'post-heroic civilization of kittens' on social media. Users flooded his page with cat memes and photos in a spontaneous 'cat-storm.' The controversy highlights Fusaro's recurring themes: anti-gender ideology, anti-immigration, and a call for nationalistic revival. Minister of Education Valeria Fedeli, meanwhile, announced plans to extend Erasmus to the last two years of high school. The article also references a 2017 book by Fusaro, 'Pensare altrimenti,' which was harshly criticized by writer Michela Murgia on Rai3's 'Quante Storie' for its homophobic undertones. Fusaro's rhetoric resonates with segments of Italy's populist and far-right movements, including the Five Star Movement, League, and Brothers of Italy.