Special Olympics aims at ending the derogatory use of the "r-word"

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by AOII_LB93

That's fine and dandy that you say that, but EVERY instance I've had with gypsies in Europe has been a negative one - seeing them pickpocket, etc...There was also an article in either Time or Newsweek a long while ago where they interviewed a bunch of gypsies who openly stated they didn't work because it was more honorable to stealand beg from people than work.

And I almost had to cuss out a Gypsy woman selling roses in Manhattan who thought it was okay to blow cigarette smoke in our faces.

These people are a relatively small percentage of the world's population of Gypsies. The stereotype has taken over because most people will never interact with a substantial portion of Gypsies. That includes that potentially nonrepresentative group for Newsweek's interview.

I stopped saying "gyped" years ago and I compare it to people saying "jew me."

I don't say "retard" unless I'm actually talking about someone who is "mentally retarded." I will keep saying "mentally retarded" for people who are medically considered "mentally retarded." That isn't an insult or a stereotype. As KSig said, it is accurate and well-documented.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

These people are a relatively small percentage of the world's population of Gypsies. The stereotype has taken over because most people will never interact with a substantial portion of Gypsies. That includes that potentially nonrepresentative group for Newsweek's interview.

And if I remember right, they don't call themselves Gypsies, do they? Don't they call themselves Romani or Roma?

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

And if I remember right, they don't call themselves Gypsies, do they? Don't they call themselves Romani or Roma?

I found this. http://www.rootsworld.com/rw/feature/gypsy1.html

From my limited experiences, those who call themselves Gypsies may be doing so because outsiders identify them as such.

[minDyG]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

From my limited experiences, those who call themselves Gypsies may be doing so because outsiders identify them as such.

When I was a server, I was told by one of my customers that calling them "gypsies" is like calling a black person the "n-word." This was after he'd overheard one of my fellow servers using the word.

But I think the group that lives near this area are referred to as "Irish Travelers" so I don't know if that is the same thing or not.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by minDyG

When I was a server, I was told by one of my customers that calling them "gypsies" is like calling a black person the "n-word." This was after he'd overheard one of my fellow servers using the word.

But I think the group that lives near this area are referred to as "Irish Travelers" so I don't know if that is the same thing or not.

That's interesting. Does "gypsy" have an offensive origin or did it simply develop a stigma?

"Irish Traveler" isn't an ethnic distinction so I wouldn't use that to refer to a group of people.

/end thread hijack...maybe

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

That's interesting. Does "gypsy" have an offensive origin or did it simply develop a stigma?

It's from Greek, the same root as Egypt/Egyptian. It comes from the incorrect idea that the Romani originated in Egypt. Legend was they were exiled from Egypt for giving refuge to the Holy Family.

And actually Irish Travelers (they call themselves Pavees) are recognized as an ethnic group by British law. Irish law designates them a "social group." Though not Romani, due to the similar roaming lifestyle, Irish Travelers were sometimes called Gypsies in Britain and Ireland.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

It's from Greek, the same root as Egypt/Egyptian. It comes from the incorrect idea that the Romani originated in Egypt. Legend was they were exiled from Egypt for giving refuge to the Holy Family.

And actually Irish Travelers (they call themselves Pavees) are recognized as an ethnic group by British law. Irish law designates them a "social group." Though not Romani, due to the similar roaming lifestyle, Irish Travelers were sometimes called Gypsies in Britain and Ireland.

Thanks.

Right, "Irish Travelers" is the ethnic group. The technical ethnic distinction is Pavees (some call "white Gypsy"), but not "Irish Travelers." ETA: This is despite the fact that almost everyone who knows about them calls them "Irish Travelers."

ETA2: But, in actuality, they are one of the many white ethnic groups that I would forget exists. In general, I find their history and "ethnic struggles" to be interesting, just as I do other white ethnicities who choose not to (or situationally choose when to) assimilate into "mainstream whiteness."