Romaphobia: The Last Acceptable Form of Racism

Description

Demonized by the media and persecuted for hundreds of years, Roma communities are among the most persecuted groups in Europe. Romaphobia explores this complicated history and reveals that little has been done to identify—and thus attack—the root causes of discrimination against the Roma. Aiden McGarry identifies the origins of this discrimination in the early history of the European nation state, and he argues that the Roma, unfairly characterized as landless nomads, have been excluded from national communities because they don’t conform to the idea of “belonging” to a particular territory. By understanding Romaphobia as a prejudice rooted in European notions of territoriality, McGarry contends, we are better equipped to find a way towards the inclusion of Roma in society, an understanding that has ramifications beyond the Roma and can provide vital insights for similarly marginalized communities across the world. “An eloquent account of one of the most troubling forms of racism still haunting the world: Romaphobia. This book examines the root causes, as well as the experiences of Roma communities in the UK and in continental Europe." (Katharine Quarmby, author of No Place to Call Home: Inside the Real Lives of Gypsies and Travellers) “McGarry provides the first extensive scholarly exploration of Romaphobia and vividly outlines the magnitude of the challenge to overcome stereotypes deeply embedded in European culture. Romaphobia also addresses the relatively recent innovation of Roma people and organizations actively participating in public debates about themselves.” (Martin Kovats, former special adviser on Roma issues to the European Commission) “McGarry contributes to our understanding of the root causes of inequality between Roma and non-Roma. He shows that Roma exclusion is rooted in the nation-building process in Europe and the way national identities have been constructed in relation to territory.” (Iulius Rostas, Central European University) “McGarry skillfully explains the complex phenomenon and history of Romaphobia in contemporary Europe. He offers a thoughtful and accessible inquiry into this persistent form of racism, and a powerful critique of how it continues to be tolerated in present-day Europe.” (Huub van Baar, author of The European Roma) “Draws on original research to examine enduring racism against Roma communities in Europe. Essential reading for all concerned about racism and the rise of far-right politics that we are witnessing across Europe today.” (Imogen Tyler, author of Revolting Subjects: Social Abjection and Resistance in Neoliberal Britain) “The strength of McGarry’s book lies in the exploration of a broader, transnational research agenda that seeks to awake Romani studies from its ‘splendid isolation,’ leaving one with the desire to learn more about the roots of Romaphobia.” (Lilla Farkas, Migration Policy Group) “A timely analysis of how fear and loathing stultifies social progress. McGarry offers an excellent examination of the mechanisms of this enduring and despicable form of racism.” (Annabel Tremlett, University of Portsmouth) “A beautifully written text that is both inspiring and daunting; it does not shade or minimize the numerous challenges that are facing Romani communities in Europe, but it also offers signs of agency, empowerment, and hope. This book is destined to become a benchmark for a new generation of critical scholars.” (Colin Clark, author of Here to Stay: the Gypsies and Travellers of Britain) “A compelling depiction of precedents that created and support the stigmatization of Roma.” (Choice) Front Cover......Page 1 About the Author......Page 4 Title Page......Page 6 Copyrights......Page 7 Contents ......Page 8 Acknowledgements......Page 10 1. Romaphobia: Marginalization and Stigmatization in Europe ......Page 12 The State and the Nation......Page 21 Identity and Stigma......Page 26 Territoriality......Page 41 Citizenship, Identity and Belonging......Page 44 Book Outline......Page 48 2. Strangers Within the Gates: Territoriality and Belonging......Page 54 State Territoriality......Page 60 Nomadism and Mobility......Page 68 The Last Slaves in Europe......Page 78 Exile and Punishment......Page 82 From Separation to Segregation......Page 87 3. Roma Identities: How Romaphobia Distorts Roma Identity......Page 96 Fear and Loathing......Page 104 Belonging and Nationhood......Page 112 The Roma Nation......Page 123 4. An Expression of Romaphobia: Socio-Spatial Segregation in Eastern Europe......Page 138 Eviction and Exclusion......Page 141 Segregation: A Modern-Day Apartheid......Page 147 In the Ghettos......Page 156 Discussion......Page 177 5. Opre Roma! Challenging Romaphobia Through Pride Protests......Page 182 Collective Identity and the Roma Community......Page 186 Visibility and Public Space......Page 190 The Roma Pride Movement: Origins and Objectives......Page 195 Roma Pride in Prague in 2014......Page 201 Roma Pride in Budapest in 2015......Page 206 Discussion......Page 216 6. Roma Citizenship in the European Union: A Question of Belonging ......Page 222 Citizenship and Belonging......Page 226 Acts of Citizenship......Page 235 Roma Migration in the European Union......Page 240 The Performance of Citizenship: France in 2010......Page 247 Conclusion: Understanding the Causes of Romaphobia: Between Territoriality, Identity and Belonging ......Page 256 References......Page 266 Index......Page 292 Back Cover......Page 306