[Callers] Gypsy / "Redneck"

[Ron Blechner via Callers]

"who on this list believe that contra dancers have a negative view of the
Romani people because of the word gypsy?"

Over the last few days, as this conversation has spilled out onto a few
forms of social media, I have now heard specific stories about people who
are Roma and/or have Roma heritage who are folk dancers in dance forms that
use "gypsy" as a term, and are offended directly.

As to your question, do you consider "negative" to include "reinforcing
stereotypes"?  Maybe?

What if we had a dance move called "redneck". Sure, there's plenty of find
country folks in America who proudly self-describe as a "redneck". There
are songs written about them. There are people who dress up for Halloween
as them. etc. Does that mean that there aren't also plenty of people who
have been called "redneck" as a slur against the stereotype of "dumb,
rural, ignorant yokels"?  I find the parallels compelling enough where I'm
now seriously leaning off the fence...

-Ron Blechner

On Sat, Oct 31, 2015 at 10:37 AM, Tom Hinds via Callers <
callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> In my opinion the offended women actually helped spread a stereotype she
> didn't like.  Who on this list knew that Romani women had a reputation for
> being (I can't remember, was it) sexual?  Not me.  Okay, it was the caller
> she complained to who put it out there, but she started it.   Should the
> caller feel defensive or should the caller turn the issue around if it's
> appropriate?
>
> I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY WANT TO KNOW, who on this list believe that
> contra dancers have a negative view of the Romani people because of the
> word gypsy?  Anyone?
>
> For me the more important issue is education.  I learned another tidbit
> about the Romani people.  Yes I understand how people can be sensitive, but
> perhaps this woman needs to learn something about us before jumping to
> conclusions.
>
> Tom
>
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