The 'Defend the City' Observatory is born in Naples

The "Defend the City" Observatory has been established in Naples. The City Council has announced the launch. It will be composed of journalists, lawyers, intellectuals, and sports and social figures, and "will aim to analyze, monitor, and study territorial discrimination against Naples and its citizens." The body, established by a council resolution, upon the proposal of Mayor Luigi de Magistris, will complement and support the activities promoted by the "Defend the City" Help Desk, established in April 2017 by Delegate Flavia Sorrentino as part of the Naples Autonomous City project. The goal of this effort is to protect the image and reputation of Naples and its citizens, both in Italy and around the world, from false prejudices, negative stereotypes, and clichés. "Over the past two years, with Difendi la Città, we've received nearly a thousand reports of insults and denigrations against Naples and its citizens," said Flavia Sorrentino, Delegate for City Autonomy. "Our city is suffering the effects of a long-standing negative narrative that has impacted its development and often influenced the economic decisions of national politics, often penalizing a region considered a 'lost cause.' Through the Observatory and the direct involvement of professionals, journalists, jurists, and intellectuals, we aim to combat this phenomenon starting from its socio-cultural origins and develop strategies and actions to prevent and defend Naples' good name." The Observatory, chaired by the mayor or his delegate, will consist of 20 members selected through a public notice and appointed by the mayor. Up to 12 of these members will be representatives from the worlds of journalism, law, and social work, while up to 8 must demonstrate, based on their interests and personal experience, a strong and adequate motivation to share the Observatory's goals and strategies.