SEASIDE “DEGENERATES”

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 33, 2 November 1929, Page 31

SEASIDE “DEGENERATES”

MASSED PRESS ATTACK IN ITALY

The “Tribuna,” the "Popolo Toscano,” and the "Osservatore Romano” have joined together in a campaign against the fashions at Italian seaside resorts. A correspondent- of the "Popolo Toscano” fired the first shot, and aimed impartially at both sexes, who. he says, are losing all sense of their proper place in the family, in society, and in life. “What is the ise of in-, vc.ghing against masculine women; ir would be far better to speak against feminine men. If it is true that women have invaded the field of business and professions, it is equally true that men have invaded the field of fashions, perfume!., idleness, and luxury.” Then follows a “photograph” of the seaside degenerate as seen by the correspondent:— “His hair is either long, sleek, and pomaded, or artfuly waved and carefully. parted: his face is . smooth and hairless, made up with beauty preparations, and his eyebrows are trimmed. He wears a silk shirt; his pyjamas are green, blue, red, yellow, rose-coloured, amaranth or violet, his dressing-gowns are flowered, with large tassels. Worst of-adlr he-affecte the Russian blouse!

He takes his walks abroad in a long shirt, a la Russe, of some garish colour. fastened down tbe side and embroidered in front, with loose flopping sleeves and a leather waist-belt. Who are these individuals? Are they balletdancers who have momentarily left the stage 7 Are they taking part in an open-air theatrical performance? Are they rehearsing n film? Are they foreigners—Russians, Poles, or Bulgarians? No! They were, unfortunately, born under Italian skies.” The correspondent concludes by urging that Fascism should deal with these degenerates “with fire and sword.”

The Vatican organ, the “Osservatore Romano,” approves the views of the “Popolo Toscano,” but is rather of opinion that “fire and'sword,” if there are to be any going about, should be directed against masculine women who, with their monocles, their cigarettes, their short skirts, and their short hair to say nothing of their language!— are far greater destroyers of family life. They have succeeded in creating equality—between the worst type of woman and the lowest type •of man.