New Frontiers for Historical Dissemination: Alessandro Barbero Between Fandom and Performativity

Abstract

Arrived at the general public as one of the collaborators of the father of Italian scientific dissemination, Piero Angela, today Alessandro Barbero is considered a “phenomenon”. At the origin of its success there is a particular ability of the historian to reach wide audiences, communicating in a simple and pleasant way the facts of history. Over the years, the image of the professor has become increasingly disconnected from the academy, connecting to the dimension of mediascape. In addition to his qualities as a communicator, Barbero’s success is due to some of his most active fans, who upload on YouTube, podcast platforms and social media content generated from the professor’s interventions in conferences both live and online. Barbero’s lessons are so packaged by his fans to be enjoyed outside the classrooms, in free time, through screens of various nature. The characteristics of immediacy, ease of use and sharing of content add to the game’s appearance historical knowledge. So, in an era where history is often marginalized, Barbero and his fans have definitely reversed the trend. Through the analysis of fan content uploaded on platforms and social media, the article investigates whether and how the “phenomenon” Barbero has redefined the character of historical disclosure and the figure of professional historian.