We Are the Romani People

by Ian Hancock

Written by a Romani (Gypsy), this introduction to Roma life, health, food, culture, and society provides an insightful look at this despised by mysterious minority originating in India. Extensively illustrated, it looks at the people, their history since leaving India 1,000 years ago, and their rejection and exclusion from society in the countries where they settled. It offers candid advice on rejecting prejudices and stereotypes and getting to know the Roma as individuals, with short biographies of Roma in many different walks of life.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Anthropology, Cultural, Sociology, Academic

208 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[SH'DYNASTY · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an average introduction into the study of the Roma/Gypsies. It is written in elementary language with a lot of basic information. I had a feeling it was meant for young children to read. It got quite condescending in some parts, especially when it set out to teach people how to deal with Roma, and emphasized over and over that this is a culture that is different. It was also full of what Roma/Gypsies are not, when more information of the culture and such would have been better. Positive rather than negative language is always better, especially when presenting a book on a culture that isn't very well-known. Also, I understand the author's desire to unite the people, but there were a lot of things that I did not relate to, and I am of Spanish Gitano heritage. Therefore, when I use the word Gypsy in English, I am translating from the word Gitano in Spanish. My mother's family is from Sevilla, in the south, so it might be very different from communities in the north and definitely from those in other parts of Europe. At no time in my life has the word Gitano been used negatively, and there are many resources to show that Gitano is something full of pride. Therefore, I will continue to use both terms, which I do not find disrespectful at all. Also, even if there are some similarities between different cultures within the same people, the author should have made it known and reiterated throughout the book that he was discussing Vlax Romani culture, and not the culture in general. Other than that, there was a great (albeit very short) section on history and some great photographs. It would have been a better book if it would have contained more positive information and more information on the different Roma/Gypsy cultures. For example, Spain was mentioned a few times, but if we take the book at face value, it's not a significant part of the Gypsy world. A somewhat good introduction, but please, for anyone interested in these cultures, please continue reading and researching. I was shocked at how thin the book is and how much more information could have been included.

[Roger Dawd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within the field of Romani studies, this work makes a wonderful introduction; it will certainly wipe out the stereotypical images that most of us have of the Romani people ("tramps and thieves") and will open our eyes to their complex and painful history, their language and their culture. It really is a great place to start for anyone who wishes to no more about Romanies. I highly recommend it.

[LibraryCin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I thought this was a good introduction to history and culture of the Romani people (more commonly known as “gypsies”). It was interspersed with photos and cartoons, and it was written by a Romani. I knew nothing, beyond stereotypes. I have read one fictional book that stuck in my mind and created an interest in reading some nonfiction about Romani. In addition to history (including slavery and the Holocaust), more detail about some of the culture included food (including a few recipes) and language. There were also some well-known/notable Romani people (and descendants) listed (including Charlie Chaplin, Rita Hayworth, Django Reinhardt, Michael Caine, Bill Clinton). Good book, certainly a good introduction, in my opinion.

[Sim Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the only broad survey of Romani history available in English that’s been written by a Romani author. As such, it’s highly recommended reading for everyone! Although there are perhaps only a few paragraphs of this book dealing with the time period I’m writing in, I was glad to read the whole thing cover-to-cover. Nearly half of the book deals with false histories and problematic, offensive representations of Romanies throughout history, and it provides guidelines on how to do a better job.

[Charlotte Haq · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro for non-Roma about Romani history and culture—so helpful for writing my thesis!!

[Sylvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book serves as an excellent, basic introduction towards the Romani/Roma population. It doesn't overwhelm the reader with information, the pacing of the book is done well, and it doesn't bore you to tears with the style of writing. If anyone is interested in learning about the Romani population but is unsure of where to start, this is a great book to start. If a history/anthropological/sociology class needs a book on the Romani population, this is a great book as well!

[diaryfromafar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ich habe dieses Buch für meine Bachelorarbeit gelesen und war sehr dankbar für seine Existenz.

Es gibt nix besseres, als über eine bestimmte Menschengruppe zu lernen von einer Person die Teil eben dieser ist.

Dieses Buch war ein perfekter Einstieg um das Leben der Sinti und Roma besser zu verstehen, in all seinen Facetten, in der Vergangenheit und ihrem Einfluss auf die Gegenwart.

Diese Art von Bücher sind für mich oft ethnologisch viel wertvoller als die von Ethnolog:innen selbst, weil die doch so oft der Gefahr ausgesetzt sind, von Machtgefälle, Rassismus, Kolonialismus und Klassizismus geprägt zu sein. Es ist dann stets ein kritisches Auge gefragt das jedoch bei neuen Themen oft blind für diese Dinge ist. Eine Perspektive aus dem innen scheint mir immer vertrauenswürdiger. (Kritisch lesen natürlich trotzdem wichtig aber gut)

[Γιώργος Λαουτάρης · Rating 3 out of 5]

Τι συμβαίνει όταν ένας μη ρομά έρχεται σε επαφή με έναν ρομά; Αυτόματα σε πάρα πολλές περιπτώσεις ενεργοποιούνται στερεότυπα και στάσεις έναντι ενός ανθρώπου που φτάνει το παρουσιαστικό του, το χρώμα του δέρματος και οι επιλογές στην ένδυσή του, για να τον κατατάξουν στην κοινωνική ιεραρχία, να του αποδώσουν προθέσεις και πολύ συχνά να τον καταστήσουν ανεπιθύμητο.
Για όσους θέλουν να αντισταθούν σε αυτό τον άδικο εσωτερικό μηχανισμό και να χρησιμοποιήσουν το εργαλείο της γνώσης και της διαπολιτισμικής επικοινωνίας για να ερμηνεύσουν καλύτερα τον κόσμο που μας περιβάλλει, το βιβλίο Είμαστε ο λαός των ρομά, του Ίαν Χάνκοκ είναι μια πολύ καλή αρχή.

[Andrei · Rating 4 out of 5]

As all the reviews say, it's a succinct intro to all things romani - and I'll be combing through the further reading in the back for more in-depth writings

[Jordan Ferrari]

I find it really interesting (as a Romani women) in the reviews how many Gadje are so quick to use and defend the G slur. WOW

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ian Hancock is Romani and an historian of his people. This is a great study of their customs and persecution.

[Queer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource for introducing many aspects of Romani life. I enjoyed reading this as it brought me closer to a culture that can feel so far away as many of my family members pass on.

[Thomas Spyri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to the romani, culture language and history. It was an easy read and it helped clear many misconceptions about the history and current predicaments of the romani people.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The problem with a lot of books about the Romani people is that they are written by non-Romanis. This is an excellent, scholarly work written by a Romani man.

Although "We Are the Romani People" is written to be used as a text book in schools or a guide for social workers or others who work with Romani communities, I found it very accessible -- for reference, I am not highly educated and I do not have a background in anthropology or social studies. The language and concepts used should be easy to grasp for anyone who has a high school reading level.

This book explores the origins and history of the Romani people, with an emphasis on Europe (some mention is made of the US and briefer mention of elsewhere in the world). It also discusses their culture and language.

The previous book I read about Romani people, "Bury Me Standing" read like a litany of woes. This reads more like a complete picture. Yes, it discusses the history of slavery and anti-gypsyism in Europe, and of course there's a chapter about the Holocaust, but it also discusses the various organizations of Romani people around the world, efforts to codify their language, and influential Romani people. There's a section of Romani proverbs, which help provide a window into their thought process. There's discussion of the different Romani groups -- note, thinking of Romanis as one monolithic group is as ridiculous as thinking of all Native American tribes as the same.

There's a lot of information packed into a relatively slim volume. I recommend this as a good resource for anyone who wants to know more about the Romani people, and would like to hear it from someone who actually grew up in the culture as well as having studied it.

[Lavinia · Rating 2 out of 5]

In wanted to learn more about the social aspects of this ethnicity, and this book was an "ok" introduction. Although short, it helped me understand more their perspective and I think our society has made many serious mistakes with their discrimination.

Today, in Romania at least, I feel like Romanies are not even given a chance. Too bad this book focused so much on language, cuisine and grammar, aspects that were not of particular interest to me. However, I did enjoy reading the chapters regarding history, slavery and the holocaust, those are a good starting point for gaining more empathy towards this subject.

[Jayjay Colley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A necessary read for anyone and everyone, especially in consideration of rising nationalism in Europe and the ongoing violence against Roma in that area.

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book in it's own class and it's a shame that more people won't have read it. It tells you everything you could/would ever want to know about the Romani people (Gypsies). Of course I have a special palce in my heart for these people so I loved finding out more about them, especially from an educated Roma like Ian Hancock.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good pictures!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to Romani history and identity, past and present.

[Nikolas Larum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise, approachable, and very informative. Have have been reading Romani histories for many years. This one ranks right on top. If you want to know about the Romani people (the Gypsies), this book is for you.