I have known for some months that I could possibly be working within the Roma population. Most people know that Gypsy’s are a nomadic people, separated by choice. They are very committed to their families and preserving their culture with as little influence from the outside world as possible. This alienation, coupled with a misunderstanding of their differences that has given them an often unfair reputation, has led to some pretty serious prejudice against the Roma population in many European countries.
But, of course, I’m American and, though we have some Gypsy’s here in the States (apparently), for the most part I have only seen them romanticized in movies like The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Chocolat.
In my mind they have:
pretty, dark features,
they are excellent dancers,
and they drive one of these:
Though I’m only 50 pages into “Bury Me Standing”, I’ve realized that my view of them is a bit skewed. What I do know is that even though I may work very closely within their population, I will never truly be accepted by them. It’s just their way.
Ultimately, I will be working with Bulgarians. They will be the one’s working in and running the school where I will be teaching. From my (limited) understanding, the Bulgarians are the one’s offering education to the minority Turkish and Gypsy groups. But, if I do teach and live near the Roma, I know that we will be spending quite a bit of time together and their culture is one I will want to become familiar with along with my Bulgarian counterparts. This seems a bit daunting but I’m ready for the challenge.
I suddenly have so much to do between now and when I leave including delving deeper into my knowledge of the Bulgarian language (which I’m kinda freaking out about!), but I definitely hope to finish this book. Even if I don’t end up working with Gypsy’s, it’s a fascinating culture and well worth learning more about.
I encourage you all to pick up a copy.
-Age
