An immaculately researched study of the Roma's history, language and customs challenges our longstanding prejudices
The wider demonisation of Romanian immigrants to the UK after the recent relaxation of border controls has fuelled longstanding negative attitudes to the Roma, in particular, as work-shy thieves and troublemakers. Most seem to assume the two are one and the same, though Roma make up under 5 per cent of Romanians. Stories last year about Roma "stealing" babies in Greece and Ireland proved groundless, but our ready acceptance of them revealed how deep-rooted are the myths we have all inherited – often from children's story books.
Rather than rely on Enid Blyton, Yaron Matras has spent many years getting to know inward-looking Roma communities across Europe, winning their trust and unravelling their history, language and customs from origins in India. He charts the splintering of distinctive groups across the continent, traditionally lumped together as "gypsies" – a term first used because they were thought to come from Egypt.
It is an ancient and rich culture he describes, passed on largely through the oral tradition, hence some of the confusion (for example, Matras shows how most Roma prefer to stay in one place, not roam). But it is also a history of scapegoating and marginalisation of a people considered "other". It cuts both ways. The Roma treasure their distinctive identity, but have also sought a sanctuary away from a hostile world. Too often, he shows, they have become a convenient target, blamed for every ill in society.
The parallels with the treatment of the Jews are clear and noted, but whereas the Holocaust shocked Europe into examining its conscience on anti-Semitism, even the murder of between 100,000 and 1.5 million Roma by the Nazis (depending on which estimate you take) appears to have done little to exorcise our prejudices. Matras's immaculately researched, warm and comprehensive study is a challenge belatedly to make a start.
HistorySocietyRoma, Gypsies and TravellersEuropeRomaniaPeter Stanfordtheguardian.com © 2014 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds |
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