Danger! Educated Gypsy: Selected Essays

by Ian Hancock, Dileep Karanth (Editor)

Written by Gypsy scholar Ian Hancock, this collection of his selected writings examines Romani history, culture, language, and politics. A compendium of Hancock’s views of the Romani experience, this account covers topics ranging from responses to the Romani Holocaust and Romani religion to anti-Gypsy racism and oppression. Giving a voice to an often misunderstood community, this record includes personal stories, persuasive research, heartfelt criticisms, and sincere advice. Informative and dynamic, this volume strives to debunk the myths and prejudices surrounding the Roma and to examine how Romani identity has been formed in the course of their long history.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays

224 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2010

Reviews

[Lucas Gullino]

Fantastic source for anyone interested in learning more about not only the origins and culture of Romani people, but also the myths surrounding them. While Hancock proposes his very own theory regarding the formation of Romani identity, he also covers some of the strongest competing ones, giving the reader a neat picture of the relevant scholarly views.

Note to the casual reader: most of these are published academic essays, some heavily revolving around linguistics. Still, if you've heard Hancock on a podcast/video and want to go deeper, this is definitely your best next move.

[Wendy]

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the truth of the Rromani ("Gypsies"). Such shows like My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding (who weren't even Gypsies!) and films such as Drag Me to Hell only make our perceptions of the Rromani worse. They become an entertainment, something not truely real, and it becomes easy to overlook the injustices the Rromani suffer everyday.

Portions of this book read like letters, the author placing his case for inclusion and education in clear terms on the table, as if the reader is talking over coffee with him. His arguments are precise and to the point, carefully penned to cover every possible arguement for resistance and exclusion.

I am a Rromani, an activist, and an author and this book opened my eyes to issues I hadn't thought through. I'm glad I read it and plan to read it many times over.

[Ana]

Part of me wishes the book's tone was less academic, but there is no denying the power of these essays. For so long the image of Romanis has been presented by outsiders so this book is a must read.