Comment by Glenda Bailey-Mershon on May 5, 2012 at 4:50

Thanks, Ciuin. Yvonne, glad to see you here.

Comment by Viola Hinz-Hassan Pour Razavi on May 5, 2012 at 9:11

Thank you, Ciuin!!!

Comment by Stoimen on May 5, 2012 at 14:03

I also thank you, Ciuin. Keep us informed. It will be good to publish it here. And let us also contact RVN. It must be clear that no one, not a single writer, film maker or other artist, has the right to make money at somebody else's expense. Simultaneously consumers of this pseudo art, must realize that they are enjoying "garbage", racist garbage on top.

Comment by Qristina Zavačková Cummings on May 5, 2012 at 14:21

There was recently another book here called "Gypped" that got a lot of attention.... it wasn't about Roma, but about a financial scam. The bookstore said that everyone was entitled to their opinions--especially authors--and let her put her book there unchallenged. I think this is a big problem--people romanticize our lifestyle so much. There was a poll on the website for "Gypped" that had only two choices: the book is insensitive, I won't buy OR people are just too politically correct. At first when I went there, 70% said it was fine and people are too sensitive. I was angry so I posted on my blog and ask people to go there and vote. Soon it was 88% thought that it was insensitive! I doubt it made a difference. Roma have no voice. I also contact the author and the bookstore... but of course I didn't get any reply.

Comment by Stoimen on May 5, 2012 at 16:19

It's all a matter of time. Words that insult Jews or black people cannot be used anymore, because ongoing complaints and protests. Last year a book was published with the title Gypsy Boy/Zigeunerkind. On the cover was a dirty boy, the main character, sexually abused by one of his relatives. The book pretends to be  a way to learn more about a secret and closed culture.

Comment by Qristina Zavačková Cummings on May 5, 2012 at 16:21

you're right. just more time. 

Comment by Ciuin Ferrin on May 5, 2012 at 16:23

The author of Gypped has issued an apology and allowed a small group representing Romanies to speak at her book signing in California. The problem with Gypped is Simon and Schuster. This is now in the hands of the publishers who have invested too much money into the book to allow it to be pulled. The bookstore they spoke at allowed handouts to go into the bags when people bought the book. Glenda wrote the handout. I think what we need to do is focus on the smaller bookstores. If we can get enough bookstores to to put the fliers in the book bags, Barnes and Noble will get on the bandwagon. You can leave a note of protest on Simon and Schusters website and FB page.

 

Glenda, can you post your materials here so people can use them in the smaller bookstores?

 

Everyone: please keep in mind that the locally owned smaller bookstores NEED big names like Clark and will be less willing to talk. The best way to approach them is non-confrontational. Don't threaten a protest or something like that. Just give them the facts, ask if you may leave the materials for their readers to make up their own minds.

 

C

Comment by Qristina Zavačková Cummings on May 5, 2012 at 16:32

Can I take leaflets to the stores here? I'd like to do that....

Comment by Ciuin Ferrin on May 6, 2012 at 2:22

Please do so, Q! Remember, they don't have to if they don't want to.  Just explain calmly why you feel it is important, explain that the author is allowing this at another bookstore, and that you hope they will also do it. If they say no, it has nothing at all to do with you. It is a failure on their part. You will already have a victory in that you had the courage to walk through that door with leaflets in hand. 

Comment by Ciuin Ferrin on May 6, 2012 at 2:30

Also, I wanted to say that I received a very nice email from Julie Harris, who has pulled the book from the internet. She is understanding of the cause but states that had the book been read first, perhaps the only action required would be a re-write of the synopsis. I said the synopsis did make her book sound terrible and she seemed to agree. She has asked if I would read her next attempt at a novel about Romanies, though she has no immediate plans to do so. I agreed. I think we have someone on our side now.

In light of the fact that we are contacting so many authors, celebrities, and media, I would like to offer a suggestion. We need to consider the feelings and reputation of the person who wrote/said something we didn't like. An email that offers a detailed explanation of our cause that is worded carefully will gain more people to our side. 

I am not saying anyone involved in any letter writing or speaking has done anything inappropriately. I am just offering a way to gain allies rather than alienate those who can actually help us.

C

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