Naples, cherished for its beauty and culture, struggles with its identity as tourism flourishes amidst media fixation on mafia stories.
Gomorrah Overload: Naples Residents Say 'Enough' to Mob Portrayals
Gomorrah Overload: Naples Residents Say 'Enough' to Mob Portrayals
As filming of a new "Gomorrah" spinoff begins, local citizens voice frustration over perpetual crime narratives.
In March, a banner echoed the sentiments of some Neapolitans as they grappled with the incessant portrayal of their city in various media: “Naples doesn’t support you anymore.” This slogan was launched in response to the production of “Gomorrah: Origins,” a prequel to the acclaimed crime series that birthed its cultural phenomenon, which has been characterizing Naples through its gritty narrative rooted in crime and corruption.
Roberto Saviano’s 2006 novel, accompanied by an impactful film in 2008 and the popular television series starting in 2014, has carried the reputation of the Neapolitan mafia, the Camorra, into global pop culture. With multiple movies and series under the Gomorrah brand, many residents feel the weight of these portrayals has become stifling and reductive.
Local artisans, like Gennaro Di Virgilio, share their grievances, expressing a desire for the world to see a more nuanced Naples rather than just the crime-laden stereotypes perpetuated by these productions. “We’re tired of being associated only with ‘malavita’,” he states, reminding audiences that beneath the veneer of organized crime stories lies a vibrant community struggling with social issues.
Though Naples has experienced a surge in tourism—thanks to social media highlighting its rich history, delectable cuisine, and picturesque landscapes—residents worry that the endless focus on its dark past hinders progress, typifying them as mere characters in a crime narrative. As they push back against such representations, Neapolitans seek a balanced portrayal that showcases the city’s growth, resilience, and cultural heritage in all its forms.
Roberto Saviano’s 2006 novel, accompanied by an impactful film in 2008 and the popular television series starting in 2014, has carried the reputation of the Neapolitan mafia, the Camorra, into global pop culture. With multiple movies and series under the Gomorrah brand, many residents feel the weight of these portrayals has become stifling and reductive.
Local artisans, like Gennaro Di Virgilio, share their grievances, expressing a desire for the world to see a more nuanced Naples rather than just the crime-laden stereotypes perpetuated by these productions. “We’re tired of being associated only with ‘malavita’,” he states, reminding audiences that beneath the veneer of organized crime stories lies a vibrant community struggling with social issues.
Though Naples has experienced a surge in tourism—thanks to social media highlighting its rich history, delectable cuisine, and picturesque landscapes—residents worry that the endless focus on its dark past hinders progress, typifying them as mere characters in a crime narrative. As they push back against such representations, Neapolitans seek a balanced portrayal that showcases the city’s growth, resilience, and cultural heritage in all its forms.
