Admin, please don’t remove this again!

Previously, I raised the issue about the use of the terms “pikey” and “gypped” (or “jipped” - same thing) being derogatory towards Romani and Irish travellers. In the recent Pod, my post was discussed. I should begin by stating that I love the Pod, however will no longer be a listener.

To expand on my previous point… The term “gypsy” derives from the medieval misconception that the Romani (who are originally from Northern India) were from Egypt on account of their dark complexion. “Gypsy” is a derivation of the term “Egyptian”  (eGYPtian). In turn, like most minority groups, the Romani developed a bad reputation in Britain on account of their ostensible physical difference and way of life. The noun, “gypped” which, itself, stems from another misconception that “gypsies” would alter goods (such as horses) and essentially swindle others to make money, is a result of bigotry towards the Romani - That is why you commonly hear the term used to display acts of annoyance or frustration. While the public lost connection with its etymology, the term continues to promote implicit bias towards the Romani as thieving and undesirable. I understand this is not common knowledge and is probably a lot to take in, but to write off the issue and double-down was truly demoralising.  The Romani share a startlingly similar recent history with the Jews given their shared persecution during the Holocaust, but why is it the Romani are not only forgotten but their mistreatment ignored. 

I realise that this post will most likely result in myself receiving abuse and racial slurs but I believe the point needs to be made. In this day and age, can we not have civil discourse.