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orbledagain

CANADA


Joined December 1st 2009

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Comment by orbledagain
on The Roma People and Bulgarian Racism

December 1st 2009 16:37
I completely agree with you on a lot of the issues raised. I am a Bulgarian-Canadian and am often horrified by the comments I hear when I return to Bulgaria. Working to change those attitudes is extremely important. I think it's also important to remember, however, not to be patronizing when attempting to have that dialog with people. Personally, I find it incredibly hard not to get frustrated when I hear the word "tsigania" dozens of times each day, but ultimately, I stand no chance of changing minds if I am perceived as culturally condescending.

I think it's also important to acknowledge that this is not a Bulgarian issue. The Roma are descriminated against globally. I often find that in the West (although I am really only referring to my experiences in Canada, and the US) people hold just as many stereotypes. Here, the Roma are more often exoticized and thought of almost as mythical creatures. The reason why most of us do not see this as a serious problem is demographics. People in North America just do not have as many opportunities to be racist against the Roma.

I think the best approach for dealing with the issue is to discuss it on the larger scale. Don't make it about Bulgarians being racist, but about people, in general, being racist. I really liked what you said about racism in Bulgaria being "not even thinly veiled." Often in North America, that's exactly what racism is - thinly veiled. And because of this, we often have this sense that we are so much more socially "developed" and "refined." I think if you acknowledge that you also come from a society with a rich history of racism and that this is why you find it horrifying and offensive, it will be much easier to reach people.


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Comment by orbledagain
on The Roma People and Bulgarian Racism

December 1st 2009 16:34
I completely agree with you on a lot of the issues raised. I am a Bulgarian-Canadian and am often horrified by the comments I hear when I return to Bulgaria. Working to change those attitudes is extremely important. I think it's also important to remember, however, not to be patronizing when attempting to have that dialog with people. Personally, I find it incredibly hard not to get frustrated when I hear the word "tsigania" dozens of times each day, but ultimately, I stand no chance of changing minds if I am perceived as culturally condescending.

I think it's also important to acknowledge that this is not a Bulgarian issue. The Roma are descriminated against globally. I often find that in the West (although I am really only referring to my experiences in Canada, and the US) people hold just as many stereotypes. Here, the Roma are more often exoticized and thought of almost as mythical creatures. The reason why most of us do not see this as a serious problem is demographics. People in North America just do not have as many opportunities to be racist against the Roma.

I think the best approach for dealing with the issue is to discuss it on the larger scale. Don't make it about Bulgarians being racist, but about people, in general, being racist. I really liked what you said about racism in Bulgaria being "not even thinly veiled." Often in North America, that's exactly what racism is - thinly veiled. And because of this, we often have this sense that we are so much more socially "developed" and "refined." I think if you acknowledge that you also come from a society with a rich history of racism and that this is why you find it horrifying and offensive, it will be much easier to reach people.


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