On the Political Correctness of the word “Gypsy”

I think it’s more of a ethic misrepresentation than an out-and-out racial slur, but that’s debatable. The word is based on the mistaken belief that the Romani people originally came from Egypt. Based on linguistic evidence it is now believed the group originated in India, perhaps as an elite military force -- gathered from several regions of the Indian subcontinent -- sent North to battle Muslim invaders in the tenth and eleventh centuries (and perhaps much earlier). Theirs is a complex and secretive culture -- inspired by years of abuse at the hands of European “white” society -- and not easily understood by even well-meaning outsiders. Despite the mistaken and frequently bigoted nature of its origin, the word “”gypsy” has acquired certain positive connotations over the years. In popular usage the term generally means: free-spirited, colorful, resourceful, shrewd, and darkly beautiful; all highly desirable qualities, whether in individuals or in groups. Of course, every Romani is not possessive of these qualities, no more than every person of African origin has natural rhythm, every Jewish person is good with money, or every Irishman or Irishwoman has the gift of the gab. Positive stereotypes are still stereotypes and constitute a certain laziness of mind an educated person tries to avoid when constructing their world view. When used as a direct identification of an individual Romani or his or her culture the word is still ignorant and highly inappropriate. They are no more ‘Gypsies” than Native Americans are “Indians.” And an effort should be made to properly identify the group; and in language that is both respectful and accurate. Of course, the English language is littered with prejudicial terms, both racist and sexist in origin, most illogical and pre-scientific. The only recourse we have is to choose our words as carefully as possible and avoid the popular clichés of past generations. And try to use language to communicate and educate, and not to attack and degrade. Despite the drawbacks of so-called “political correctness” there’s nothing wrong with being sensitive to the feelings of others and to avoid giving offense to strangers when at all possible.