Overcoming anti-Gypsyism

Anti-Gypsyism can only be overcome if people admit to its existence. Nothing can change as long as people are not aware that it is a reality: The problem is not the Roma but anti-Gypsyism!

The role of the media

The media, sometimes unconsciously, too often consciously, spread anti-Roma feelings. In case of reporting a crime committed by a person mentioning the ethnicity does not have any positive impact. By the same token, patronizing attitude is also harmful. In addition, media generally do not pay attention to stories in which the Roma are the victims, as it is the case for racist attacks or hate speeches pronounced by politicians towards Roma, all of these acts that media could help to condemn.

Media can be a valuable tool of awareness raising and promotion of diversity and multiculturalism, if committed to change. Instead of focusing on negative headlines about Roma emphasis should be put on finding positive stories and on giving the Roma a voice. There are lawyers, teachers, politicians and doctors of Roma ethnicity, so why not reporting about them? Ask those whose stories usually remain unheard!

On this topic read the article : The representation of Roma in Media, by Karin Waringo, currently Chief Executive Officer of the European Roma and Travellers Forum, here. Kindly authorized for publication for Dosta ! campaign.