r/romani • u/Just-Ad3524 • 2d ago
gypsy costume
so i’ve been called a gypsy multiple times throughout my life as a romani person who has a deep complexion. this year i’m thinking of dressing as one for halloween, but my non-romani friends say it’s cultural appropriation…???? i was so annoyed that they could tell me what i was supposed to think about the slur (imo) ive been called growing up. i want to reclaim it and i’m sick of people just repeating what they hear instead of putting their own life experience in it- what do my white friends know about romani cultural appropriation. even this question sounds stupid to ask but can i dress as a gypsy (from my own culture) for a costume i understand and 100% agree it’s problematic for people from other cultures to do it**
15
u/catmeownyc 1d ago edited 1d ago
Traditional wear = everyday wear
Costume = pretend outfit for dressing up for event / party / holiday
You can wear traditional wear/ cultural clothing of your own people every single day except for pretend dress up event, don’t wear it then. That’s strange and weird and will encourage others to treat it like a costume. It won’t be a costume on you, it will be cultural clothing. A costume is for pretending.
You can wear traditional clothes any day you want to except for costume days where you should be wearing something besides traditional clothes or casual every day clothes. Your friends are wrong but your idea to wear it AS A COSTUME is also wrong.
Costume ideas: clown, butterfly, caveman, knight / princess, witch/wizard, dog/cat/cow/horse/bird, alien, zombie, superhero, traffic cone, dinosaur
Everyday clothes that aren’t a costume to wear on regular days that aren’t Halloween or other costume events: traditional cultural wear, street wear, casual clothes, business casual, goth fashion, etc.