Conference presentation - invited speaker

Description of Activity

Title of talk: Challenging is not enough: denaturalising centuries of ‘Gypsy’ misrepresentations

Abstract of presentation:
The dominance of a certain set of visuals are very hard to navigate as same-old images of ‘the Gypsies’ are reproduced, albeit in different forms, to the point that they can seem obvious, natural and go unquestioned. What happens when they are questioned? This paper is a reflection on attempts to criticise local reporting on Travellers in the UK. Whilst there were some immediate effects on the reporting culture towards Travellers in this case, these effects were not long lasting. The frustrations encountered have instigated the reflection in this paper on why this encounter was so temporary and limiting. This is especially relevant in the light of wider criticism that academic work fails to shift the practices that under-pin racism against Roma, Gypsy and Traveller people. This paper argues that challenging discriminatory practices, such as the example given, is necessary but not enough. We need to think about the ways we present on the very formulation of stereotypes, and recent research does indicate a potential emerging paradigm shift in the ways of discussing stereotypes and their histories. This paper argues that it is only by understanding the depth of the histories, how such images became a part of the fabric of our lives, can we begin to not just challenge but denaturalise age-old stereotypes that paves a way to resistance and change.

Period	14 Sept 2023 → 15 Sept 2023
Event title	Racism and Romani Studies: European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture
Event type	Conference
Location	Timisoara, RomaniaShow on map