REUNION

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Source: ghostparties

ghostparties:

iain mckell - the new gypsies

I get annoyed when people use the term “gypsies” when talking about bohemian or “alternative” white people. The word “gypsy” is regularly used as an insult in a lot of countries, especially those where “gypsies” originated and are still persecuted, like Romania. I love these photos, they are beautifully shot and they capture the lifestyle of the people in them, but it also makes me think of just another example where white people have co-opted a culture from a struggling minority race. (You see the term “gypsy” being used in Vogue magazine to describe the style of an editorial photo-shoot.) And while this photo set is beautiful, I wonder what purpose it is serving. Why did he photograph British “gypsies” (who chose their nomad, off-grid lifestyle based on political motivations) as opposed to Eastern European gyspies (who were forced into becoming nomads as a result of being constantly shunned and killed for their religious beliefs and lifestyle)?

People who are unfamiliar with the struggle of the original “gypsies” frequently mis-categorizing poor, white, off-the-grid communities as “gypsy” communities. It just reads as at best uninformed and at worst blatantly ignorant. It reminds me of rich, white girls who go to Coachella wearing headdresses…

I recommend the book Bury Me Standing by Isabeli Fontana which I read a number of years ago. It is a good read, and an eye opener about the lives and struggles of the real tsigani.

An interesting piece written about gypsies via loja on Flickr:
”The history of the Roma is one of continuous struggle and persecution.

Since their entry into Europe, the Roma have been outlawed, enslaved, hunted, tortured, and murdered.

From the time of the Slobuzenja (Abolition of Romani Slavery) in 1856, to the present day, the Roma have fought for their just social and human rights, largely to the deaf ears of world governments and an indifferent public.

Rom, Roma, and Romani should not connected or confused with the country of Romania, or Rome the city. These names have separate, distinct etymological origins and are not related.

In actuality, the Roma have their origins in India. The Romany language is of Indo-Iranian origin.
Linguistic and genetic evidence indicates the Roma originated from the Indian subcontinent. The cause of the Roma diaspora is unknown.

Read more:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roma_people

or

www.geocities.com/~Patrin/timeline.htm… ”

Continue Reading Here

While it doesn’t apply directly to this photo-shoot, within the general atmosphere of Western culture and fashion I think it may be good to consider the history of the real gypsies (and other minorities and subcultures) before we co-opt their lifestyle and turn their existence into a sexy fashion statement. 

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I’m currently considering selling art and photo prints through the shop. What do you think? Would you buy prints? Or would it make more sense to sell the art prints through a separate arts-only Etsy shop or another online shop like BigCartel? I’m really interested in what you have to say, so please message me here through the “ask” button if you have any thoughts on the matter!

 ♥ Tara