Urgent: Milan Teen Stripped, Blackmailed in Shocking Attack – Experts Point to ‘Indifference’ as Key Factor
Milan, Italy – A disturbing incident in Milan has brought the issue of youth violence and societal apathy into sharp focus. A 15-year-old boy was targeted on Corso Buenos Aires by a group consisting of three minors and an adult, all with prior criminal records. The attack involved not only robbery but also a deliberate and brutal campaign of humiliation, leaving experts deeply concerned about the underlying causes and the alarming lack of intervention from bystanders.
The Attack: Beyond Theft, a Deliberate Humiliation
The details of the attack are harrowing. The perpetrators stripped the teen, blackmailed him for 100 euros, and subjected him to verbal abuse. What sets this case apart, according to Raffaele Mantegazza, a pedagogist and professor at the University of Milan-Bicocca, is the clear intent to inflict emotional pain. “It’s not just stealing shoes or telephones,” Mantegazza explained. “There is enjoying the pain of the other. This is the most worrying thing because it is a violence with deep psychological roots.” The three minors are scheduled for interrogation today.
The Psychology of Humiliation: Why Do They Do It?
Mantegazza draws a parallel to Primo Levi’s writings on “useless violence,” suggesting that the attackers were driven by a need to feel powerful, masking deep-seated personal fragility. “It’s the only way to feel strong, protagonists,” he stated. “By not accepting their own fragility, these kids punish it in others.” This dynamic highlights a crucial point: the perpetrators are often themselves victims of trauma or insecurity. The choice of a “defenseless” victim isn’t random; attackers often target those who reflect qualities they dislike within themselves.
A Society of Spectators: The Disturbing Lack of Intervention
Perhaps the most unsettling aspect of this case is the reported lack of intervention from adults witnessing the attack. The boy’s mother recounted that no one came to his aid. Mantegazza believes this points to a broader societal problem – a growing indifference and a fear of getting involved. He powerfully referenced the film “Nuremberg,” stating, “the problem is not Hitler, but those who pretended nothing happened.” This echoes a dangerous mindset: “if I intervene I will compromise myself, because he is not my son.”
The ‘Pack’ Mentality and the Illusion of Impunity
This incident isn’t isolated. Similar group attacks, like one in Corso Como in October, demonstrate a pattern of behavior where adolescents underestimate the severity of their actions. Often, there’s a lack of remorse, with perpetrators dismissing the harm they’ve caused as “just a joke.” This disconnect stems from a combination of factors, including the dynamics of group behavior – the feeling of anonymity and invulnerability within a “pack” – and a profound sense of loneliness. Early intervention, focusing on addressing even “small” forms of verbal violence and humiliation at school, is critical.
Beyond Punishment: The Need for Education and Responsibility
Mantegazza emphasizes that addressing this issue requires a fundamental shift in societal attitudes. “We need education in responsibility, in listening to others,” he argues. He points to everyday examples of normalized aggression, such as casual sexism, and the dismissive responses they often receive (“how harsh are you?”). This behavior is absorbed by adolescents, reinforcing a culture of intolerance. However, he remains optimistic, noting that the majority of young people are already “much more attentive and sensitive” to these issues, and represent a powerful force for positive change. Listening to their voices is paramount.
The attack on Corso Buenos Aires serves as a stark reminder that violence isn’t simply a matter of individual acts, but a symptom of deeper societal issues. It demands a collective response – one that prioritizes empathy, responsibility, and a willingness to intervene, not just in moments of crisis, but in the everyday interactions that shape the next generation. For more in-depth coverage of social issues and breaking news, continue exploring archyde.com.
