Hi Laureen! Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I saw it right before my vacation and changed the language in the article immediately. I had no idea that it was a slur. As someone who was raised by an immigrant and grew up in a small town that was predominantly white, I'm all too familiar with the harmful side affects of derogatory language. So much of what I do over at Ginkgo PR is try to use public relations to reduce harmful stereotypes and stigma, so it's incredibly important to me that I'm inclusive with the language that I use. I took some time to think about it while I was away, and I appreciate your patience in me getting back to you now that I'm back in the office.
Hi Anne! I can understand why the silence may have been alarming. I was out of the office and am only now catching back up with emails and comments. I responded above to Laureen.
When I lived in Florence, every day the gypsies would meet on my street. They were always smiling, talkative, and quite cordial. While gathered they assigned a "begging" location to each person. They then went out into the streets where they pretended to have physical problems, look very sad, or would sit on the ground with their head in their lap. At the end of the day they again gathered on my street and divided up the day's earnings. They all seemed very happy and healthy while they finished their business. Once I was watching them from my window. When I walked outside they all fell to the ground. They actually do put effort into producing their income, but it is all a huge scam.
This is all great advice for many European countries! Having lived and worked in Romania for 2 years, I can definitely confirm the importance of not giving money to gypsies, no matter how bad you feel to turn them away. In Romania, I heard Christian missionary friends (some of the kindest and most generous people on the planet) remind short-term volunteers to never give money to gypsies (adults or children). The money will most likely be used for alcohol, drugs etc. It does not help them.
I visit Italy (all over) each year and am happy to report that selfie sticks are no longer common. In fact, I can not remember seeing one in years. And in Venice at least, I have not seen many, or any, so called gypsies or streetvenders either. Ten or twelve years ago, one would encounter people, often older women with headscarves, praying on steps or bridges, causing traffic jams. I had read many articles documenting virtual organizations that transported their "employees" to tourist areas to beg on the street. I wish tourists would refrain from asking for American food when they travel and that they would attempt to explore the less traveled areas.
"Gypsy" is a well-documented racist slur. I'm appalled to see it come up here.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/15/romany-gypsy-racism-britain-prejudice-roma-travellers
and
https://mindfulmermaid.com/stopsayinggypsy/
and
https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/12/30/242429836/why-being-gypped-hurts-the-roma-more-than-it-hurts-you
and
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/series/roma-gypsies
Hi Laureen! Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I saw it right before my vacation and changed the language in the article immediately. I had no idea that it was a slur. As someone who was raised by an immigrant and grew up in a small town that was predominantly white, I'm all too familiar with the harmful side affects of derogatory language. So much of what I do over at Ginkgo PR is try to use public relations to reduce harmful stereotypes and stigma, so it's incredibly important to me that I'm inclusive with the language that I use. I took some time to think about it while I was away, and I appreciate your patience in me getting back to you now that I'm back in the office.
Came here to say the same. Tried to email Cher but sadly there has been no comment, acknowledgment, or retraction. Very disappointed!!
Hi Anne! I can understand why the silence may have been alarming. I was out of the office and am only now catching back up with emails and comments. I responded above to Laureen.
When I lived in Florence, every day the gypsies would meet on my street. They were always smiling, talkative, and quite cordial. While gathered they assigned a "begging" location to each person. They then went out into the streets where they pretended to have physical problems, look very sad, or would sit on the ground with their head in their lap. At the end of the day they again gathered on my street and divided up the day's earnings. They all seemed very happy and healthy while they finished their business. Once I was watching them from my window. When I walked outside they all fell to the ground. They actually do put effort into producing their income, but it is all a huge scam.
Thank you. Frank and honest travel advice. I have been warned 🥳
This is all great advice for many European countries! Having lived and worked in Romania for 2 years, I can definitely confirm the importance of not giving money to gypsies, no matter how bad you feel to turn them away. In Romania, I heard Christian missionary friends (some of the kindest and most generous people on the planet) remind short-term volunteers to never give money to gypsies (adults or children). The money will most likely be used for alcohol, drugs etc. It does not help them.
I visit Italy (all over) each year and am happy to report that selfie sticks are no longer common. In fact, I can not remember seeing one in years. And in Venice at least, I have not seen many, or any, so called gypsies or streetvenders either. Ten or twelve years ago, one would encounter people, often older women with headscarves, praying on steps or bridges, causing traffic jams. I had read many articles documenting virtual organizations that transported their "employees" to tourist areas to beg on the street. I wish tourists would refrain from asking for American food when they travel and that they would attempt to explore the less traveled areas.