My Random Thoughts on the Word “gypsy”
As someone who is Romani, I generally don't like Americans using the word 'gypsy".
It's not even necessarily the word itself that I find offensive.
There are many Romani people who don't have a problem with the word and have reclaimed it as something positive.
I have family members who use it positively and I have family members who come from the old country and never ever say it.
For me it's more about the ignorant nature in which Americans may use it. If that makes sense.
Many Americans aren't educated on the history nor understand why that word has been so hateful for centuries. And to this day, continues to be used hatefully.
That's what makes me uneasy about it, the ignorance people may have.
It's not even necessarily the word itself that I find offensive.
There are many Romani people who don't have a problem with the word and have reclaimed it as something positive.
I have family members who use it positively and I have family members who come from the old country and never ever say it.
For me it's more about the ignorant nature in which Americans may use it. If that makes sense.
Many Americans aren't educated on the history nor understand why that word has been so hateful for centuries. And to this day, continues to be used hatefully.
That's what makes me uneasy about it, the ignorance people may have.
