[Callers] Advice about "gypsy"

[Ron Blechner via Callers]

Since "gypsy" as a contra/ECD term almost certainly refers to Romani, it
differs from say, geological terms or whatnot. The swastika is a sad thing,
because the Nazis basically ruined it, even though they use a reverse
direction version.

That said, I'm not endorsing or not endorsing the change to the "gypsy"
move, just stating that there are some clear differences.
On Oct 27, 2015 11:20 AM, "Sargon de Jesus via Callers" <
callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> This has been a fascinating and edifying conversation regarding how and
> when to use the term. At the risk of getting too deep in the philosophical
> questions regarding use of the word "gypsy," I have a sincere and seriously
> non-loaded question about what conditions must be met in order to justify
> removing it from our calling vocabulary. Of course I acknowledge that when
> use of a pointed term meant to represent a certain group of people is
> deemed by that group of people to be offensive, then care should be taken
> to eliminate use of such a word (the Washington, D.C. football team comes
> to mind). There is no alternate etymology to that term other than the
> reference to Native Americans (well, unless their helmets had always
> featured red-skinned potatoes, of course). But now, in playing devil's
> advocate I ask: doesn't context and origin matter for "gypsy"? Isn't the
> etymology of the term's use in contra dancing relevant to whether it can
> rightfully be cast aside for being an offensive term?
>
> To those who say it doesn't, then how do we reconcile that with offensive
> terms or displays that have similar outputs that arose completely
> independently? For example:
> - The four-pointed star common in Jainism is frequently mistaken for a
> swastika.
> - The garb of the "Nazarenos" in Spain look identical to the KKK.
> - Geologists liberally use the term "dike/dyke" for a relatively common
> rock formation.
> - Cracks or fissures in/on surfaces are commonly called "chinks."
> - The term "fob" is widely used for certain types of rings on key chains.
>
> If we agree that all of these displays and uses are legitimate and
> appropriate for continued use, then doesn't the history of "gypsy" in
> contra dancing matter? Or does the surficial cause of offense warrant
> elimination? Not trying to weasel out of the situation here, but rather
> genuinely trying to refine the precise reasoning behind decisions in contra
> vocabulary. Curious about any/all perspectives on this -- thanks!
> Sargon
>
> On Mon, Oct 26, 2015 at 7:00 PM, Winston, Alan P. via Callers <
> callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>
>> Apologies for putting words in your mouth.  I misunderstood what you were
>> saying.
>>
>> -- Alan
>>
>>
>> On 10/26/2015 3:51 PM, Colin Hume via Callers wrote:
>>
>>> On Mon, 26 Oct 2015 12:48:00 -0700, Alan Winston via Callers wrote:
>>>
>>>> I didn't know morris dancers used "gypsy" rather than "gyp", as you
>>>> say on the web page.
>>>>
>>> Alan -
>>>
>>> I don't believe I say that.  I say that Sharp's handwritten notes use
>>> the word "gipsies", and I give links to prove it.  I agree that morris
>>> dancers use "gyp".
>>>
>>> Colin Hume
>>>
>>>
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