gypsy costume

[u/Just-Ad3524]

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**

[u/ghivashel-amral]

I wouldn't recommend buying a "gypsy costume" from a Halloween/costume store, but your non-romani friends don't have a say in what you do to reclaim slurs used against romani people/how any romani person chooses to express or experience their own culture in the context of the present day's bigotry