The Romani The Romani, as they prefer to be called, are a diverse ethnic group spread throughout Europe and now North America. Some people call them “gypsies,” but that term is generally considered to be politically incorrect. Members of the Roma ethnic group enjoy a rich history and deep culture dating back thousands of years. They speak their own language, although they learn the languages of their native countries as well. The Roma culture is traditionally nomadic, but following World War II, most Romani have settled down and become a part of their local communities.
Because other cultures have long seen the Romani as outsiders, the Romani people have been treated as second-class citizens as far back as the Middle Ages. During the Renaissance, they have been incorrectly thought to be witches and thieves, misconceptions that continue even to modern day. In the past, Romani have been banished by kings or forced to live in ghettos. They suffered at the hands of the Third Reich during the Holocaust, and more than a million were murdered in concentration camps.
In the past, the Romani migrated with other European groups west across Europe and then into North America. Wherever European cultures have gone, the Romani have gone as well. Today, they come from a variety of backgrounds. Because of “antiziganism,” or the persecution of Roma culture, Romani often struggle in lower class neighborhoods and are sometimes monitored by law enforcement agencies because of the belief the Romani are thieves. In other countries, Romani enjoy comfortable, middle-class lifestyles free from persecution. As the European Union grows closer together, rights and privileges for Roma are improving.
2
Select the correct answer.
Which question most likely will follow this article?
A.
How is the European Union helping end antiziganism?
B.
Why are the Romani descended from Egyptians?
C.
What are the Roma words for "Hello" and "Goodbye"?
D.
How do gypsy fortune tellers read the future?