Title: Cultural appropriation of gypsy culture
Product review: A friend suggested I read this book about a gypsy woman because I am of Romani heritage. There is only one authentic gypsy experience described in the book, the annual caravan to Ste. Maries. Everything else is new age, wicca, and goddess. Nothing wrong with new age, wicca, and goddess -- just don't call them gypsy! By creating the impression that these are authentic Romani beliefs, the author engages in cultural appropriation, that is, stereotyping and misrepresenting a minority culture for profit, just like the plastic shamans who claim to teach Native American or Native Hawaiian traditions. I'm glad I got this from the library so that I did not support yet another example of cultural imperialism that also contributes to the general state of ignorance about Romani traditions and beliefs.
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