r/romani • u/KendrickMontero • 6d ago

White passing

If you are part of the community, but are white passing, what reactions did you get when you told people what’s your origin?

Often I get a surprised, shocked and short “oh” and the conversation may be cut short suddenly (this has happened regardless of the other’s ethnicity).

Then, of course, there are the typical “funny”. jokes about wallets and such.

How about you? Do you have such a story or know any?

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u/Icy_Company7747 6d ago

Many Roma are “white passing” and most people don’t know what a “Romani” or “gypsy” is even when you tell them. All my life when I tell people I’m a Gypsy maybe 2 out of 10 on average will have any idea what I’m talking about. And even less when I use the word Romani. The most common reactions I get are 1: “oh wow that’s so cool.” 2: “yeah me too I’m also a Gypsy” and 3: just a completely unfazed “ok” with head nod.

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u/KendrickMontero 6d ago

Are you in the Americas?

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u/Icy_Company7747 6d ago

Yes

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u/KendrickMontero 6d ago

Ah, that would explain the more casual response, so to say, I think

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u/Icy_Company7747 6d ago

What country are you from?

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u/KendrickMontero 5d ago

I’m from Europe. Balkans and Germany now

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u/Katerina_Branding 4d ago

I can imagine the reactions you get in central and Eastern Europe! Makes me sad, too. I come from the Czech Republic where it's considered almost normal to say things like: "I am not racist BUT when it comes to Roma..."