by Christos Zabounis

For centuries the edification of a prominent person was treated with decorum, even by his sworn enemies. The 4th Industrial Revolution brought about a cataclysmic change in the way we say goodbye not only to the living, but also to the deceased. “Fascist”, “misogynist”, “reactionary”, were some of the descriptions that flooded the Internet just minutes after the announcement of his death. There is no need to search for the identity of the bilious users, for the simple reason that they hide behind anonymous accounts. In the traditional press, on the contrary, even in the left-wing publications “Editors’ Journal” and “Documento”, the tributes to the leading French actor, director and producer were respectful, in the sense of honoring his unique transitory life, since his best role, as he said so himself, was his life. With the maturity that comes with age and the acquisition of experience I have acquired the firm conviction of a less elliptical, in terms of political ideas or actions, of one who leaves this vain world. Indeed, Alain Delon made a statement in favor of Jean Marie Le Pen, at a time when he found himself face to face with the socialist candidate in the 2nd round of the French presidential elections. But why do none of the “undertakers” remember how, as a true right-winger, he strongly supported General De Gaulle, before that, and Nicolas Sarkozy afterwards? In any case, ignorance or, even worse, half-knowledge, reign temporarily. I want to have hope in the digital world. But let me close the hommage on a solid note. The definition of friendship by Alain Delon: “A friend is someone you can call at three in the morning to tell him you’ve just committed a crime and all he’ ll ask you is ‘where’s the body?’

Photo by Dimitar Dilkoff