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Romani Liberation
Centered on the trajectory of the emancipation of Roma people in Scandinavia, Romani Liberation is a powerful challenge to the stereotype describing Romani as passive and incapable of responsibility and agency. The author also criticizes benevolent but paternalistic attitudes that center on Romani victimhood. The first part of the book offers a comprehensive overview of the chronological phases of Romani emancipation in Sweden and other countries. Underscoring the significance of Roma activism in this process, Jan Selling profiles sixty Romani activists and protagonists, including numerous original photos. The narrative is followed by an analysis of the concepts of historical justice and of the process of decolonizing Romani Studies. Selling highlights the impact of the historical contexts that have enabled or impeded the success of the struggles against discrimination and for equal rights, emphasizing Romani activism as a precondition for liberation. The particular Swedish framework is accentuated by a stimulating preface by the international activist Nicoleta Bitu, and afterwords by two prominent Romani advocates, the politician Soraya Post and the singer, author, and elder Hans Caldaras.
228 pages, Hardcover
Published June 10, 2022
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August 26, 2026
This is a history book (by an actual historian!) that gives an overview of Romani history in general, of Romani studies as well, and that also dives deeper into the history of the fight for Romani rights, with a focus on Northern Europe.
There are three main things I take from this book.
One, it is so important to show that the Roma are actually quite active in the fight for their rights instead of constantly painting them as eternal passive victims. As much as I fell in love with Scandinavian culture, I didn't know much about social and historical justice there. I'm glad the Taikon sisters and their activism were highlighted as well as other lesser known (and remembered) activists. And it just goes to show, again, that yes, art IS political.
Two, this book shows that if you don't request and fight for your rights, they (government, politicians and majority society) are never giving you anything. And if they do, sure they might contemplate giving you crumbs but you can never take it for granted as your rights are always threatened to be taken away.
Three, unfortunately, this book also shows that truly everyone hates the Roma, nobody is on their side. No wonder why internalised romaphobia is so difficult to push away, no wonder why I've always been so scared to talk about my romani ancestry, even in leftist spaces and especially back in school.
I also thought that Hans Caldaras's afterwords was such a valuable testament that helps understand how generational trauma starts and how it impacts you and, well, generations to come.
If you're interested in this topic, in educating yourself a bit on Romani history, I highly recommend this one, the ebook is free.
There are three main things I take from this book.
One, it is so important to show that the Roma are actually quite active in the fight for their rights instead of constantly painting them as eternal passive victims. As much as I fell in love with Scandinavian culture, I didn't know much about social and historical justice there. I'm glad the Taikon sisters and their activism were highlighted as well as other lesser known (and remembered) activists. And it just goes to show, again, that yes, art IS political.
Two, this book shows that if you don't request and fight for your rights, they (government, politicians and majority society) are never giving you anything. And if they do, sure they might contemplate giving you crumbs but you can never take it for granted as your rights are always threatened to be taken away.
Three, unfortunately, this book also shows that truly everyone hates the Roma, nobody is on their side. No wonder why internalised romaphobia is so difficult to push away, no wonder why I've always been so scared to talk about my romani ancestry, even in leftist spaces and especially back in school.
I also thought that Hans Caldaras's afterwords was such a valuable testament that helps understand how generational trauma starts and how it impacts you and, well, generations to come.
If you're interested in this topic, in educating yourself a bit on Romani history, I highly recommend this one, the ebook is free.
Displaying 1 of 1 review