Working definition of antigypsyism
With the founding of the Melde- und Informationsstelle Antiziganismus (Antigypsyism Reporting and Information Centres), known as MIA, a definition of antigypsyism was developed to fit the German context. It is based on the non-legally binding working definition of antigypsyism adopted by the members of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) on October 8, 2020, to which the federal government also refers. MIA’s definition is also influenced by both the “Reference Paper on Antigypsyism” published in 2016 by the Alliance Against Antigypsyism and the 2021 report of the Independent Commission on Antigypsyism entitled “Change – Retrospective Justice – Participation.”
The following working definition of antigypsyism has therefore served as the basis for MIA’s work since the beginning of the project:
Antigypsyism describes the traditional societal perception and treatment of people who were and are viewed, stigmatized and persecuted as “gypsies.” It is directed against Sinti and Roma, Yenish people and itinerants, for whom antigypsyism is often a formative experience. As the largest minority group in Europe, Sinti and Roma are also the people that have been most affected numerically by antigypsyism.
Antigypsyism has historical roots in society. It developed over many centuries, taking on a variety of forms, and today is predominantly a racist phenomenon. Antigypsyiststereotypes are based on a social construct and make certain characteristics appear to be intrinsic and natural group attributes. A special hallmark of antigypsyistic narratives is to attribute specific characteristics in a blanket, immutable way. The reasons for the emergence of such generalizing attributions lie in the dominant culture / majority society.
Antigypsyism reveals itself in individual remarks and behavior as well as in institutional policies and practices. In discourse, antigypsyistic prejudices are passed along, made available and reinforced. Antigypsyism then finds expression in discriminatory attitudes, actions and structures, in violent acts or hate crimes (crimes motivated by antigypsyism) as well as in stigmatizing behavior. Since it also makes implicit or hidden appearances, it is not only important what is said and done but what is not said and done or omitted. The results of such open or hidden, symbolic or actual exclusionary practices as well as institutionalized inequality experienced in everyday life are to prevent those affected from experiencing social security and to deny them an equal access to rights, opportunities and participation in social and economic life.
Antigypsyism serves to stabilize, establish and reproduce relationships of power and dominance. In order to defend its own privileges, the majority society or dominant culture uses antigypsyism to justify hierarchies and the exclusion of certain groups from accessing material and symbolic resources. In addition, antigypsyism creates an outlet for individual and collective aggression (the scapegoat mechanism). In order to fight it, antigypsyistic stereotypes must be actively questioned and deconstructed.
