MovieChat Forums > Big Fat Gypsy Weddings (2011) Discussion > these people are NOT Romani...

these people are NOT Romani...

posted 13 years ago by melskaya
10 replies | jump to latest

... or gypsy, as the racial slur goes. Romani people do not have weddings like this. Nor do we have "grabbing". I don't know who these people on the show are but they aren't Romani. The Romani have a beautiful culture and a very sad history. Yet we are still stereotyped as dirty fortune tellers and theives. We have very strict rules regarding cleanliness. We are also very religous, have wonderful languages, amazing artwork and music. I went to college, own a house and car and pay my taxes. When I proudly tell people that I am Roma I get a blank stare and they ask if I'm from Rome or Romania. Then I have to sigh and say "Gypsy". Then they nod and say okay and ask if I'm nomadic or can I read their palms (no to both) or they start talking about how we're a bunch of scammers, pickpockets, and filthy nomads with no education. They don't seem to realize how offensive it is to say that TO MY FACE. I am proud of who I am and declare myself as Romani on every census. I don't assume all blacks are gangbangers or stereotypes about other ethnic groups. So why assume about mine? It is not okay to discriminate against any other ethnic group out there so how come there is a show like this that perpetuates a negative stereotype? Only through knowledge can we change the stereotype. So get knowledgable about the Romani!

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] oldsalt61 13 years ago

I think it has been mentioned that travelers and Romani aren't the same group, but only briefly and without much explanation as I recall.

[–] Romani_grl 13 years ago

Thank you :)

Been there too.

Minte vreodata regula de trei

[–] dementia412 13 years ago

Actually they mention it in almost every episode and have given pretty good explainations of the difference. You also have to understand that just because this group or that don't fit into your notion of what that ethnicity should be doesn't negate who they are. Like every ethnic group, they change over time and eventually you have groups with vastly diffent cultures who claim the same ethnicity.

[–] Romani_grl 13 years ago

??? I haven't said what my notion is or isn't....

Minte vreodata regula de trei

[–] thebilliejean 12 years ago

These people are no Gypsies/Romani, they are called Tinkers. I am part Romani so I agree with the OP.

"Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition"

[–] Romani_grl 12 years ago

I agree with the OP as well....being as I am Romani, myself.

Minte vreodata regula de trei

[–] 12 years ago

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[–] Catdisc 11 years ago

I am not Romani, but I do love studying cultures and know of their background. It is a very rich culture which deserves more appreciation.

[–] Angel_Of_My_Heart 9 years ago

Since I started watching this series, I don't think anyone on it has ever said they are Romani or Roma, they identify as travellers or Irish Gypsies not Romani and your right they are nothing like you and their customs are all there own and I for one would never compare you and them as the same, as some of there customs are just appalling (grabbing being one its disgusting and pretty much assault in my eyes) and I think they should probably only refer to themselves as traveller's and not Gypsy as like you said they are not Romani or Roma.