Beginnings

Recently returned from abroad, I feel it is important to continue studying the culture of the Romani people living in France. Not only will I be posting informative updates on the current situation in France pertaining to the expulsion of Romani people, but also their lively culture. The media is saturated with information about President Sarkozy and his plans but they seem to overlook cultural aspects of the Romani people. They are a people with much more to offer than is often portrayed. 

When I first arrived in France to study Django Reinhardt and the Gypsy Jazz Movement, I was confronted with confusion. When people asked why I was there and what I was studying, more people than not ignored the word jazz and focused instead on gypsy. They couldn't grasp why I would want to study a people whose name is synonymous with words like theif, liar and cheater. It is because of this that I desire to keep this blog. I want to clear their name of negative associations and focus on their many talents. I will share news, videos, photographs and my own experiences. 

Read, enjoy, comment and question. I'm excited to read, respond and evolve with your participation.

Cheers,

Megan