Dear critical geographers,
I have written an open letter to Giulio's friends and advisors asking them to coordinate some action in his name.
I should also have added that labels and affiliations won't help. It is not about our theoretical inclinations, national belongings of sorts, political beliefs, or presumed associations.
Giulio was, in the words of his advisor in Egypt "steering clear of anything political". He was aware and careful about it -- putting him into boxes now that he cannot reply is not useful, even when made in good faith and affection.
I cringe at any instrumental use of his, or anyone's, death. For example, at a call for joining a union or another, in memory of Giulio -- unions are natural in many countries/universities, but not so in many others.
I am not closer to Giulio if I am Italian, marxist, studying unions, or because I am Australian, I admire Peirce more than anybody else, and I study plants' semiotics. I can be Giulio tomorrow just because I am a researcher.
The theorists we cite, the political inclination declared or assumed in our words, the groups we supposedly belong or should belong to, become unnecessary divisions in moments like this.
We are researchers, that's what brings us together. Our work contributes to the betterment of the society, gives voice to the voiceless, makes us think to what is not easy to think.
This is our role, for which we want to be respected.
We can be critical and think about it with the most abstract questions in mind. But it remains quite simple for me --that a researcher cannot be tortured and killed for doing her/his job.
Our Universities won't take liability. Our states won't sacrifice their economic agreements.
If we are an academic community, we should stand up as one. We should say it out aloud, that killing an academic for his research is not going under silence. That a whole huge group of people will point fingers to whoever has done this, and to whoever will not do enough about this.
The most critical mind may say that this is yet another way to use Giulio's death. I don't think silence is an option, won't honor him nor save the next Giulio.
Peace,
Luisa
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