Roma (Gypsies) and Friends
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| Tuesday, November 16th, 2010 | 12:43 am
[eska_rina]
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Romani religion
Hello everybody. I've been a long time reader of this and other communities about the romani people, but this is the first time posting. I need the help of you guys. I'm currently studying Religion at my local university and this year I'm supposed to write my bachelor. I've had huge trouble deciding what my subject to be, but due to personal reasons I've finally decided on write my paper on the religious aspect of the romani culture(s). I'm unsure on which aspect to focus on right now, though I think it will be something about Sarah-la-Kali and/or the pilgrimage in Camargue. That being said, I'm open for suggestions if anyone else have an interesting subject/question to research. Anyway, what I'm currently looking for are books, articles - texts in general -, movies, etc. about the myths, religions and religious tradition of the romani population, especially regarding the traditions of Sarah-la-Kali. I'm especially interested in academic papers and personal descriptions of the pilgrimage. Maybe one of you guys have participated in this pilgrimage and can describe it for me*? Lots of love and thanks for the help, Mry *If I can afford it, I might participate in the pilgrimage this spring myself. Are anyone familiar with a cheap, close hostel or something like that? X-posted a couple of places; sorry if you see this more than once. If you're familiar with a community, where this subject would be relevant to talk about, then please tell me about this. Also, please feel free to link to this post if you are familiar with people, who knows a lot about this subject. | | Thursday, October 21st, 2010 | 1:09 pm
[cattycritic]
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Foreign Policy Magazine did an interview with Viktoria Mohacsi. I myself saw the general atmosphere she talks about. I'm one of the "andfriends" reading this group. I spent 2 weeks in Bulgaria and 1 week in Istanbul this past summer, and a good deal of it was in the company of Roma, sometimes exclusively. I had no problems making friends, hanging out, drinking, and playing music with Roma there, even with the language barrier. At no time did I ever feel unsafe or that I would be victimized in any way, and there were plenty of opportunities to take advantage of me if someone wanted. The more traditional, less integrated Roma weren't interested in me anyway. In the areas I visited, I was never pick-pocketed or even targeted, and Roma begging on the street was unusual. And yet, despite our tour guides hiring both Romani and gadje music and dance teachers for our trip (it was a folkoric tour) our tour guides would lecture us on how "the gypsies" were given all these things by the Communist government, like high rise apartment buildings in Yambol which they then ruined and all the non-Roma the government moved in there with them left as soon as possible. They talked about Roma squatting on private land and building villages there, refusing to pay electric bills, etc. Mixed in with valid criticism would be ludicrous complaints about perfectly innocuous behavior - e.g., one complained that a group of children standing by the side of the road were "totally unsupervised," as if non-Roma around the world are constantly under the eagle-eye of mom or dad - we damn sure weren't!). Often the complaints simply revealed that they had absolutely no clue what it's like not to have money. It often seemed to me that people were trying to find reasons to keep hating gypsies. One of them did admit that the situation was "complicated." Great, but, but what social issues aren't? But just because there is valid criticism doesn't mean there's not racism. Both I and my friend would hear on the one hand that Roma were amazing talented musicians, and almost in the same breath that they were all criminals and murderers, never aware of what a ridiculous contradictory thing they'd just said. I guess all of you already know the same racism is in Turkey. I've heard it straight from Turks. Neither I or my friend ran into that criminal element Europeans complain about so much; we were treated with hospitality, even among the very poor. All of the men behaved well toward me and some were downright gentlemanly. I certainly won't claim there aren't criminals among any population, but logic dictates that if this were a universal Romani trait, I wouldn't have lasted two minutes. If it were common, I should have run into it at least once. Ok, once, some guy tried to shortchange me - for 60 cents. This happens everywhere. I've been meaning to post about my experience since I got back; I guess this interview finally provoked me to it. | | Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 | 8:38 pm
[fuli_tschai]
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ABC tv's "Gypsy Girl" kids show
http://www.abc.net.au/abckids/shows/prog202.htmDescription (from site): "Children's fantasy drama series. Young Romany girl Freya has magical powers which she uses to help people in need and also get herself into the odd bit of mischief.
Gypsy Girl introduces 14-year-old Gemma Gregory as the enchanting, but impulsive and shambolic Freya, and Olivia Winstone as Mary, her romantic, tempestuous friend. Freya is a young Romany girl who has inherited the powers of a `Chime Child' from her grandmother (Eleanor Bron) Destined to help people who are hurt or in trouble, Freya sets out in her magical caravan and, accompanied by her cool, enigmatic brother, Tashar (Thomas Jamerson), and his horse Braveheart, she embarks on numerous adventures, making a host of friends along the way. Gary Webster plays Freya's uncle, Kokko George, a fun-loving scallywag who plays the violin.
Gypsy Girl is based on the trilogy of books by Elizabeth Arnold (The Parsley Parcel, Gold and Silver Water and A Riot of Red Ribbon). The writers are Carol Noble, Jim Eldridge, Lucy Daniel Raby and Bridget Hurst."Well, that's all for now... better go jump in my magical GMC truck and go save the world... *headdesk* | | Monday, July 12th, 2010 | 1:50 pm
[fuli_tschai]
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How do you respond?
I would like the community's opinion on something. A few days ago, I was on etsy.com looking for bath bombs. As has become the norm on sites like this, no matter what you're looking for you're bound to find something with the word 'gypsy/gipsy' in the title. It got me thinking about all the people on sites like this (eBay, etc.) who use that word (and the romantic association) as a catchphrase in the title for their items, when 99% of the time it has nothing to do with real Romanies. I wondered if any other words that are considered racial slurs were used in this manner, so I did a search, which returned the following results: Etsy10,806 results for ' gypsy' 322 results for ' jew' 3 results for ' honkey' 1 result for ' nigger' We didn't find anything for ' spic' I mean no disrespect to any culture with the above terms ~ it was simply an experiment. I wrote to a few sellers, asking why they chose the term and if they knew who the Romani people are. A few were shocked and changed their listings, others agreed to put some sort of disclaimer about real 'gypsies' and the rest told me they meant no harm by using the word and that I should be flattered by their misuse of the term (keeping in mind that such listings were associated with 'gypsy love spells', provocatively dressed [or completely nude] dancers, fortune tellers and "gypsy magik"). I had still others compare the persecution of the Romani people over the ages to the persecution Pagans and Wiccans have experienced. I was quick to remind those people that religion is a choice, while ethnicity is not. I know I am not the first to experience this sort of attitude, and I am curious how others respond when people tell them they should be 'flattered' by pictures of blond, blue-eyed, half naked women with elf ears and wings, with titles like 'Gypsy Elf Witch' and other such nonsense. I am considering just banging my head very hard against the nearest wall next time I get the urge to speak to one of them.... | | Saturday, June 19th, 2010 | 3:21 pm
[keerawa]
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Looking for a Romany beta (editor) for a short story
I'm working on writing a piece of fanfiction featuring two Rom amerikàcha brothers. I've been researching my little heart out, but I know that I'll probably end up making some mistakes with regards to language and culture. Is there anyone here who might be willing to edit the short story once I'm done, so that I can be sure I'm not misrepresenting Romany culture or unknowingly perpetuating stereotypes? Or, if that's too much is a commitment, give me a reality check on how the young men might realistically maintain pollution taboos while interacting with mainstream American culture? Thank you so mcu! - keerawa | | Monday, May 31st, 2010 | 6:19 pm
[lexi]
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Barak Obama sends form letter to Romani Gypsies asking for representation in US Holocaust Council
Barak Obama sends form letter to Romani Gypsies asking for representation in US Holocaust Memorial Council Some weeks ago Professor Ian Hancock wrote to the President about the importance of having Romani representation on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. William Clinton (Democrat) made the appointment, George Bush (Republican) removed it. Former Director of the USHMM's Holocaust Research Institute, Michael Berenbaum wrote that "At the center of the tragedy of the Holocaust is the murder of European Jews . . . Near that center is the murder of the Gypsies." Yet we have had no representation for many years. With the letter, Hancock sent materials to Barak Obama, including copies of Himmler's and others' documents re: The Final Solution of the Gypsy Question. Evidently none of those materials reached him; the staff who deal with the thousands of letters received daily evidently decided that all this required was an F.U. response (below). It is hard to believe that the concern shown by his Secretary of State in her several public addresses regarding Roma was still not enough to warrant a proper reply. Some time ago there was a charge of racism levelled at President Obama for using the word "gyp" publicly. No doubt a slip made in ignorance, as it often is, but this latest dismissive letter doesn't inspire confidence. We urge ALL of you to write your own letters via www.WhiteHouse.gov. Response Below ************************************** The White House Washington May 20, 2010 Dear Friend: Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas. I appreciate hearing from you. Our nation faces serious challenges, and we will only overcome them by involving all Americans in shaping the policies that affect their own lives. My Administration is continuously working to engage individuals in innovative ways. I encourage you to explore www.WhiteHouse.gov, which is regularly updated and more interactive than ever before. Thank you for contacting me and providing your thoughtful suggestions. Sincerely, Barak Obama From: http://thegypsyconnection.blogspot.com/2010/05/barak-obama-sends-form-letter-to-romani.html | | Sunday, May 9th, 2010 | 1:46 pm
[khrysha]
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| | Thursday, March 25th, 2010 | 1:40 am
[gipsy_lilith]
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| | Monday, December 14th, 2009 | 11:17 am
[khrysha]
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Exhibition in Cologne, Germany - news from Djelem Djelem
From December, 5th 2008 to March, 1st 2009, the Cologne City Museum (Kölnisches Stadtmuseum) in collaboration with the ROM e.V. society, Köln, presented works of Roma artists and artists from Cologne in the exhibition "The forgotten Europeans”. In an historical retrospective the Gypsy image in art since the 15th century was presented through the works of old masters, classical modern arts and literature, supplemented by examples of popular Gypsy iconography. Orders for the catalogue (25 euros), which contains many illustrations in colour can be directed to the ROM e.V. society as well as through the Cologne City Museum. We would be glad if you could inform other people interested in the book. ( Read more... ) Current Mood:  contemplative | | Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 | 11:15 am
[khrysha]
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A fabulous event in the USA!
FIRE + FIRE: Hungarian Gypsy and Black American Music Peter Norton Symphony Space
2537 Broadway at 95th Street
New York, NY
Dates: 11/19/2009 – 11/21/2009
Start: 8:00PMOn the American side these include drummer, percussionist and Gullah musicologist David Pleasant; Delta blues guitarist, vocalist and banjoist Valerie June; vocalist and violinist Mazz Swift; guitarist, banjo and kora player Ayodele Martin Aubert; and electronic vocal maven LaTasha Nevada Diggs.
From Hungary's Gypsy community we'll be welcoming vocalists Fatima Muhammad and Agi Szaloki and members of the brilliant band Budapest Bar: Robert Farkas - violin and Mihaly Farkas - cimbalom, as well as Bela Szakcsi Lakatos – piano, Zsolt Farkas - percussion, dance, Gusztav Balogh - vocals, guitar, and Farkas Fulop – visuals. ( Price Details ) Current Mood:  envious | | Saturday, November 14th, 2009 | 8:24 pm
[vgnwtch]
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UK Resource This is probably old news, but I'm not ashamed of being permanently behind the curve. I do some volunteer work with the local Citizens Advice Bureau, which receives the Travellers Times. I've found it really interesting - when it hasn't been whipped off by someone else to read. We don't have any Gypsy or Traveller communities in the immediate area, but we have lately merged with other bureaux in the county which do serve areas with Gypsy and Traveller populations. I just stumbled across the TT's YouTube channel, too. Looks like the intarwebz are being used to good effect | | Sunday, October 11th, 2009 | 11:40 pm
[khrysha]
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| | Thursday, September 10th, 2009 | 1:26 pm
[khrysha]
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Italian reality - bites... A report.
Factory of DeathEveryOne
Monday, June 1, 2009
At about 7 a.m. on the morning of February 25th in Pesaro (Italy), about 20 officers, (regular police and municipal police) entered the abandoned factory situated in Via Fermo, 49, where 30 Romanian Roma have been living for the last year.
Among them patients being treated at San Salvatore Hospital for heart problems and tumours; many women and nine minors, including a few-month-old baby. The authorities gave the order to clear the abandoned factory where the Roma were living and dispersed the families.
Watch the Video
( Read more... ) Current Mood: busy | 1:17 pm
[khrysha]
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Badges for and fingerprinting of Gypsy children...
Italy: the Council of State has approved finger printing and special badges for Gypsy childrenMonday, September 7, 2009
From Afsonbladet - Friday September 4
by Irka CederbergMalmö, Sweden, Friday September 4. On August 28, an amazing decision was made by Italy´s Council of State, Consiglio di Stato. In spite of all protests against finger printing of Romanies, the Council of State has approved this procedure. But not only that. The Council of State also finds it admissible that the Roma must carry special badges on their clothes when leaving their camps. Does anyone remember the Star of David, that Jews had to carry in Nazi times? This is indeed hypocrisy and double standards! If Frattini succeeds in persuading the EU foreign ministers during their Stockholm meeting next weekend to condemn antisemitism, he should also demand a condemnation of antigypsyism. See: http://www.everyonegroup.com/EveryOne/Ma inPage/Entries/2009/9/7_Finger_printing_ and_special_badges_for_Gypsy_children.ht ml Current Mood: busy | 10:59 am
[khrysha]
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c/o Roma Daily News
Shame, Shame, Shame on Italy. This is the worst most discriminative and blatantly barefaced racist decision taken by a Country in the EU since the reign of Hitler and Mussolini. Every Government in the so called Free Europe should, if they have any real sense of the horror of what was the Holocaust should, condemn Italy and call for It's immediate expulsion from the EU especially when, measures of this nature are about to be implemented against a particular minority. ( Read more... ) Current Mood: busy | | Thursday, August 13th, 2009 | 12:51 pm
[fuli_tschai]
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European Committee finds Bulgaria in violation of right to social assistance
2009-08-06 18:36:58 Full text here Strasbourg, 6 August 2009: In a ruling made public today, the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) unanimously found that Bulgaria is in violation of the European Social Charter by failing to meet its obligations to ensure that any person who is without adequate resources has access to the social assistance provided by the state. The ruling was issued in response to a collective complaint filed by the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) in 2008, in cooperation with the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC), regarding the 2006 and 2008 amendments of the Bulgarian Social Assistance Act (SSA) which drastically limit the time citizens are eligible for social assistance. The complaint argued that these limitations had an illegal and disproportionate impact on Roma, women and other marginalised groups. | | Saturday, June 27th, 2009 | 2:31 pm
[spiralsheep]
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Twitterers respond to Daily Mail newspaper's racist online poll
Following extract from: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/9693' Daily Mail removes poll backing priority for gypsies in NHSA Daily Mail poll which recorded 93 per cent of respondents as in favour of gypsies ‘jumping the NHS queue’ appears to have been removed from its website. The vote, which yesterday provoked a Twitter campaign urging people to back the rights of gypsies in access to healthcare, was a huge embarrassment for the right-wing paper. The question "Should the NHS allow gipsies to jump the queue?" was posted by the paper yesterday morning after an article by Richard Littlejohn complained that the ’diversity' industry was taking “sadistic pleasure in persecuting the taxpaying majority”. Littlejohn complained that “gipsies will be allocated a full 20 minutes with a doctor and allowed to bring their extended family into the waiting room”. In the article he repeatedly ridiculed travellers who face limited opportunities right across Europe, in work, education and with regard to their health needs. [...] The article came at the end of Refugee Week in the UK, where the place of marginalised and persecuted groups such as gypsies are acknowledged and recognised. But in a move which is being heralded as demonstrating the power of social networking, a Twitter campaign launched yesterday morning urged people to vote “yes” in the Daily Mail poll. The result was that over 90 per cent of people responding to the poll voted in favour of prioritising gypsies in the National Health Service.' ( Another extract from another blog. )There's a reliable study on Romany and Traveller health in Britain here: http://www.library.nhs.uk/Ethnicity/ViewResource.aspx?resID=269123&tabID=289 | 1:42 pm
[spiralsheep]
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Racist attacks on Romanian Roma in Northern Ireland
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8104978.stmRacism in Northern Ireland More than 100 Romanian people have fled their homes in Belfast, saying they feel intimidated after a series of attacks. BBC News examines the problem of racism in Northern Ireland. When the police in Northern Ireland started recording racially motivated crime in 1996 there were just 41 incidents. Last year there were nearly 1,000. In part the increase in the number of incidents can be explained by the increase in the ethnic minority population. There was a growth in the number of migrants coming to Northern Ireland following the paramilitary ceasefires and the accession of central and eastern European countries to the European Union. Northern Ireland's established Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese communities were joined by thousands more ethnic minorities from across the world. However there is also the suggestion that a legacy of Northern Ireland's sectarian conflict is a "culture of intolerance" that leads to violence against people not just of a different religion but also those of a different ethnic background. Neil Jarman from the Institute for Conflict Research in Belfast has conducted several studies of racism in Northern Ireland. He said that alongside what might be called "standard racism" there is also the legacy of sectarianism which has created a sub-culture where "anyone slightly different becomes a target for intimidation." Dr Jarman said he understood that the Romanians who had been targeted are ethnic Roma - a people who have faced discrimination across Europe. "They are an easily picked upon group, they are not well defended, they do not have political representation," he said. ( full text of article for archiving purposes. ) | | Friday, May 15th, 2009 | 7:23 pm
[khrysha]
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EUROTRASH - EUROVISION!! *fnarr*
C/o: Romano_Liloro Vote for the Roma group Gipsy.cz representing the Czech Republic at Eurovision 2009
Moscow, 12.5.2009, 16:04, (ROMEA) - The group Gipsy.cz will perform in the first of two semi-final rounds of the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 taking place in Moscow today. Gipsy.cz is competing for entry into the final, set
for 16 May, with representatives from 17 other countries. Czech Television will broadcast the perfomance live at 21:00. Incidentally the song is called "Aven Romale" and here are the lyrics: Performer: Gipsy.cz
Song title: Aven Romale
Song writer(s): Radoslav „Gipsy“ Banga
Song composer(s): Radoslav „Gipsy“ Banga They use to call me Gipsy, hello there. It means no problem to me, I don´t care. Till I´ve got microphone making you act I love to be that gipsy rat. Rap 1: Word ain´t key to me. I can´t think that eazly. If you keep that energy Gipsy sounds like symphony. Hate me or love me Baby. Speed up from null to eighty. In next three seconds music turns you to slave it. Ref: Aven Romale! If you really wanna understand, just sing it with me, dadada. Aven Romale I can make you really feel like Gipsy. A da da da Aven Romale! If you really wanna understand, just sing it with me, dadada. Aven Romale I can make you really feel like Gipsy. Music is that miracle Rhytm is the mirror. That´s right. ( Česko in da house!) It´s truth that Gipsies are just everywhere. I means no problem to me, I don´t care. Listen the song and free your frozen mind. And let the colours all behind. I ( can make feel like) Gipsy ( let color behind ). Free ( your Gipsy inside of your music soul to be like ) Oh! ( and what the wonder ) Truth ( you got it inside ) Aven Čech, Jágr, Pivo, come together once more Rap 2: Aven Romale! Ma ker the šun man more! Listen and don´t matter where you from I´ll make you jump, say it: Aven Romale! Praha Brno Normale. Češí ví – my name is Gee, so everybody rock with me, please: Ref: I feel something wrong made us separate the world on pieces, we got eyes and we still stay all so blind. Ref: Current Mood: contemplative | 12:31 pm
[khrysha]
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