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But, but, but... the stereotypes are so much more fun!!!
This individual posted in one of the Romani/Gadje communities asking us to take a look at her SCA profile and give our opinions. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, the SCA stands for Society for Creative Anachronism, a group which re-enacts (often inaccurately) pre 17th century Europe at renaissance faires. Here is her post, her profile link, and my response.

'Would you guys take a look at the profile that I made for my character that I will be portraying in the Gypsy guild I'm in at Renaissance Faires?

Myspace.com/230713606

I just want to let everyone know that, in no way, shape or form, do I mean for this profile to be a mockery of the Romani culture. I want to make my character as accurate as possible. And to do that, I have been educating myself on Romani culture, traditions, beliefs and history.

Yes, some aspects of my character probably will be stereotypical. Only because most Gadje only know the stereotypes. When interacting with other Gadje at Faire, I plan on getting them to notice me by showing a stereotype, then teaching them stuff that they probably don't know.

I am aware of the holocaust that occurred and I plan on doing my best to educate people about that. I know that the Romani history is not all glitz and glam.

I'm also learning basic Romani words and phrases and I'll try my best to use them in the correct manner. If you notice that I'm using something incorrectly, please, by all means, correct me!

I truly hope that no one is offended by my character/this profile.

Thank you very much,
Miranda'

Miranda,
I'd remove that song from your profile, for one. I notice you have a 'disclaimer' posted, "I apologize if the song I have on this page, "Gypsy Woman" by Hilary Duff, is completely packed with stereotypes. I like the sound of the song and I thought it would go well on this profile." The song has nothing to do with Romanies, except for the fact that it has the word 'Gypsy' in the title - a term, by the way, that not all Romanies embrace, and in fact, some find offensive in and of itself. Imagine, for example, if the song was titled 'Nigger Woman' - no one would put that on their profile, most especially not if they were trying to portray a black woman, and that song (with it's poor excuse for lyrics,) is the same thing. Perhaps put some Romani music up instead.

Under your occupation it says 'Swindler'. I'd remove that as well.

The layout, with all the faeries, lends to the stereotype that we are 'magical, free-spirited, hippie-types'. I'd go for a more 'old world' look, and I'd put the information about the Holocaust (and perhaps some recent news - we are still being persecuted around the world, you know.. it didn't end with Hitler) on the profile page itself and not hidden behind a blog entry.

Please understand that by perpetuating stereotypes, people won't see anything else. People see what they want to see, and any inaccurate information is an insult to our people. If you want to be accurate, then don't provide inaccurate information, period. I understand that faeries and magic are more fun to talk about than the holocaust (which we call 'Porrajmos' or 'The Devouring') or any of the multitude of injustices and racism that we endure, as a people, every day around the world - Romani neighborhoods are bulldozed and families left with no place to go - young Gypsy men are beaten to death in the streets while Gadje look the other way - this is the reality of our situation.

Understand that by perpetuating the stereotypes you aren't educating anyone. You're merely providing them with a foundation for their continued ignorance.