[Callers] Advice about "gypsy"

[Rich Sbardella via Callers]

In square dance, Indian Style is rarely used for single file promenade,
although it was prevalent just 25 years ago.  It has slowly disappeared
replaced with just the descriptive language of "single file".
I often replace, "Single file Indian Style" with "Single file with a smile".
I also beieve Walk around your Neighbor is a suitable, and perhaps the
best, replacement for Gypsy Neighbor or Gypsie around your Neighbor.  It
already has the correct meaning for many dancers (eye contact optional),
and it easily translates from contra to common usage in squares.
Rich
Stafford, CT


On Tue, Oct 27, 2015 at 11:41 AM, Ron Blechner via Callers <
callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> 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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