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.

Non-Application

Dear Frank:

You do realize that this ad is for a gas station cashier, don’t you? I mean, this is the sort of position that usually doesn’t require three graduate degrees and a personal letter of recommendation from the Pope. It’s essentially a ten or eleven dollar an hour job with bad hours in a crummy neighborhood. If you can find anyone interested in the position you should get their initials on the W2 form and send their name to the payroll department before they sober up. Let me spell that out to you again. Gas Station Cashier. Not. Head of Open Heart Surgery at Detroit Medical Center.

Gas Station Cashier. I think perhaps you need to scale down the requirements for this position. Anyone with experience of the job will most assuredly NOT want to apply. May I suggest the following demands you might reasonable make of applicants:

01] Must be breathing. This is an important point. That’s why it’s #1 on my list. The deceased need not apply.
02] Must shower semi-regularly. Also important, especially if you will have two or more employees working a single shift.
03] Must wear shoes. Boots are good also. And of course socks. You probably should mention those too.
04] Must speak a language (specific language optional).
05] Must have a good knowledge of U.S. currency and coinage and a working understanding of Arabic numerals.
06] Must be able to pick out GAS PUMP# from a touch screen by at least the fourth attempt.
07] Must agree to refrain from stealing from the register for at least their first three days on the job.
08] Must like the smell of gas, cigarettes, burnt coffee, stale donuts, and year old hotdogs.
09] Must be able to tell the difference between a 40oz bottle of Colt 45 and a four pack of Zima.
10] Must be able to say “Good Luck” after selling a roll of instant lottery tickets without adding “Sucker!” to the sentence.
11] Must agree to keep the REST ROOM OUT OF ORDER sign in clear view of customers at all times.
12] Must love people or least be able to tolerate their presence for twenty seconds without wanting to punch them in the face.
13] Must have full confidence in the claims of the manufacturers of bullet-proof glass.
14] Must have little or no life outside of work.

Thank you for your time and good luck in your search for the perfect employee. Oh, I am not applying for this job myself. Please note the lack of resume attached. The first five requirements I have no problem with. I’m also good with #7. After that, it’s hit or miss.

Backdrop to the Story

 

Darkness on a Sunny Day

I am a patch of darkness on a sunny day. A shadow pausing and posing at high noon. A candle snuffed out in a room full of candles. A light bulb missing on a string of lights. I am defined by what I am not. And I am not cheerful or hopeful or full of the milk of human kindness. 

Look at my mirror and see yourself. Hear my breathing and gasp for breathe. Smell the scent of my death in the air. Note the transient nature of my philosophy. Blink and I am gone. Blink and you are me. Blink and you’ve become. A patch of darkness on a sunny day.

It's. . .

It's.
The sound of defeat waffling in from the next room.
Or something.
The sound of my heart beating beneath a torn t-shirt.
Or something.
The sound of yesterday throwing sand in the face of tomorrow.
Or something.
Or nothing.

Onto the Rocks We Go

When a madman is at the wheel of the ship of state the future is always rocky.

Self-Censorship

Self-censorship is still a form of censorship; probably the most dangerous type.

If we stop ourselves from speaking the truth as we see it we make it easier for the forces of repression to deprive us of our rights as citizens.

If we don’t actively defend the Constitution it becomes a meaningless scrap of paper. Rights abandoned are rights lost.