Museo de la ‘ndrangheta, located in the small town of Reggio Calabria in southern Italy, is not your typical museum. It is not filled with ancient artifacts or famous paintings, but rather with the history and culture of the notorious Italian mafia group, ‘ndrangheta. However, this museum is not a glorification of the mafia, but rather a powerful tool in the fight against it. And at the heart of this museum is claudio La camera, an anthropologist and director of theater, who has dedicated his life to promoting anti-mafia culture.
La camera, who was born and raised in Reggio Calabria, has always been fascinated by the ‘ndrangheta and its impact on the local community. However, he was also aware of the negative influence it had on the people and the region. This led him to pursue a career in anthropology, with a focus on the ‘ndrangheta and its cultural roots.
After years of research and study, La camera decided to take a different approach in the fight against the mafia. Instead of using traditional methods of law enforcement, he believed that promoting anti-mafia culture and educating the younger generation was the key to breaking the cycle of violence and corruption. And thus, the idea for Museo de la ‘ndrangheta was born.
The museum, which opened its doors in 2016, is a result of La camera’s vision and hard work. It is a place where visitors can learn about the history and inner workings of the ‘ndrangheta, as well as the devastating effects it has had on the local community. The museum is not just a collection of artifacts and information, but also a space for dialogue and reflection.
One of the most striking features of the museum is the section dedicated to “fatture false” or false invoices. This is a common practice used by the ‘ndrangheta to launder money and avoid taxes. La camera, who has extensively studied this phenomenon, has created a replica of a ‘ndrangheta office, complete with fake invoices and other tools used in this illegal activity. This section serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of the mafia on the economy and the importance of fighting against it.
But the museum is not just about educating visitors on the negative aspects of the ‘ndrangheta. It also celebrates the anti-mafia culture and the brave individuals who have stood up against the mafia. One such person is Peppino Impastato, a political activist who was brutally murdered by the ‘ndrangheta in 1978. The museum has a dedicated section to him, showcasing his life and his fight against the mafia. This serves as an inspiration to visitors, especially the younger generation, to stand up against the mafia and make a positive change in their community.
Apart from the museum, La camera also uses his background in theater to promote anti-mafia culture. He has written and directed several plays that focus on the ‘ndrangheta and its impact on society. These plays are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, as they shed light on the complex and often hidden world of the mafia.
Thanks to La camera’s efforts, Museo de la ‘ndrangheta has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It has also received recognition from the Italian government and has been featured in various international media outlets. But more importantly, it has become a symbol of hope and a powerful tool in the fight against the ‘ndrangheta.
In conclusion, claudio La camera and Museo de la ‘ndrangheta are shining examples of how one person’s passion and dedication can make a positive impact on society. Through his work, La camera has not only educated people about the dangers of the mafia but also inspired them to take action and create a better future for their community. Museo de la ‘ndrangheta is not just a museum, but a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of anti-mafia culture.