Hey all! In preparation for our talk tonight, I just wanted to spread some resources on the mistreatment of the Romani people in general.
As we know, the word itself is complicated, as it is a slur in some contexts, a reclamation in others, and even names have been appropriated from the word. The verdict among many dictionaries or official inquiries is to avoid the word or give warning to it in order to respect the potential harm the word can do. Because of the word's many etymologies, there is no objectively "correct" way to use the word, so I ask you all extend grace to each other as we navigate how to use it in our own space.
The word is incredibly present in our society in a variety of forms, and many of those forms are not derogatory or remotely relevant to the Romani people, so although we give grace to the word when, referencing the musical or a celebrity with that name, we also understand that the word's popularization is an appropriation, even if unintentionally. As far as I know, none of our cast is of Romani descent, but I recognize that many of us have encountered other slurs in our lives and feel uncomfortable exercising that language. Here are some resources on the word's function in society, as well as some research on its connection to Romani oppression.
Some background on the word: G*psy is a shortened version of the word Egyptian, as that's where the Roma population was assumed to have come from. Having originated around the 10th century in Europe, the word therefore is an English-created word used to define an "other" in European culture, and later also used to name a promiscuous woman. This othering and derogatory nature prohibited Roma people from getting jobs or fair treatment in society.
Another word for the Romanians that might be slightly less offensive is the French term: Bohemians. French Bohemians, similar to the self-identified groups of Romanian g*psies, have reclaimed the term and incorporated it into their unique music and lifestyle. The French, just like Europe, has also somewhat appropriated the culture.
The Russian term for Romani, as seen in our show, is "Ruska Roma." G*psy, because it is English slang, does not exist in the Russian language. The Romani came to Russia between the 16th and 18th century,, but in the early 1800s became very popular in Russian culture, entertainment, and celebrations. Others at the time were enslaved.
The current climate is quite different: they are now forced to abandon nomadic life and shot if they refuse. There has been a modern outbreak of "g*psy hypnosis," though it is unclear whether the name implies racial profiling, derogatory naming of criminals, or using the oppressed as scapegoats. Regardless, the climate is far worse now than it would have been in the 1800s, and we intend to take responsibility for those connotations.
"What's in a Name?" -- firsthand account by a Romani professor
Century Dictionary
"...a person exhibiting any of the qualities attributed to Gipsies, as darkness of complexion, trickery in trade, arts of cajolery, and, especially as applied to a young woman, playful freedom or innocent roguishness of action or manner"
Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Usage of G*psy
"Though still frequently encountered in English, use of the term Gypsy to refer to Roma people or their language is increasingly regarded as offensive because of negative stereotypes associated with that term. Although Gypsy is sometimes used as a neutral or positive self-descriptor, it is recommended that those for whom it is not a self-descriptor use Roma or Romani/Romany instead. Other uses of gypsy are also increasingly understood as offensive, including the general "wanderer" meaning of the noun and the related meaning of the verb gypsy, as well as compound terms, such as gypsy moth and gypsy cab."
Wikipedia article on style of music played in the Abduction
Music of Romani culture. Western cultures have inevitably incorporated it into their culture, but the name and style belongs to the Romani people who play this music. The first article talks about the style itself, and the second has some more philosophical perspective on the naming of the genre.
Script Resources
Finally, here is how Dave Malloy addressed this in his annotated script, his longer explanation on genius.com, and how members of our own community have responded to the word (I have permission to share the last one with y'all, but please respect your classmates and don't spread it to the masses).
https://genius.com/Dave-malloy-the-abduction-off-broadway-version-annotated (click the first yellow highlighted line
3.
Thank you all for your thoughts and attention! Please email me if you have more thoughts, questions, or needs. I can give you my number as well if asked.
*Note: I choose to put the asterisk in the word in this writing due to my own feelings about the power it holds. You are allowed to say it fully or avoid it completely, however you see fit.