Walking in the Shoes of a Gypsy

No doubt about it, walking in the shoes of a Gypsy is no doubt exhausting! I won't lie: being a Gypsy is tough. There are a lot of customs to follow, and a lot of rules and regulations. It has its ups and downs. If you're wondering why you're not familiar with the exact definition of a Gypsy, then the answer is simple, I think. You're probably not familiar with Gypsies because most Gypsies, (unlike me), don't like to tell people their race, let alone explain to them what it means. This must be your lucky day, because you don't know what a Gypsy is, you're about to find out!

Gypsies are a race of people, believe it or not! We're just like any other race or culture. Our race just isn't recognized that often. You've probably even met a Gypsy yourself one time or another. Bet you don't remember! That's because we don't like to tell people who we are. Besides, we can easily fool people into thinking that we're Hispanic. We have the same complexion as Hispanic people. The same hair color too.

Another reason why Gypsies don't like to admit that they're Gypsies is because, for decades Gypsies' pride has been damaged by historical events such as imprisonment in concentration camps in Europe. Over the years, the discrimination against us has abated. But it still goes on sometimes.

Unlike most Gypsies, I absolutely love to boast about my true identity! The thing that makes me laugh is the fact that people are amazed when I say that I'm a Gypsy; well, you've just got to see their face to explain it. I'm half Gypsy. My father is full-blooded.

The Gypsy culture has a lot of traditions - maybe even too many to count. For instance, Gypsy girls over the age about 10 must wear skirts down to their ankles so that their legs don't show. It's disgraceful if you don't.

Most Gypsies don't know how to read and write because most of them have never stepped a foot inside of a classroom. Some Gypsies are very deep thinkers. My number one dream in life to become the first Gypsy architect, unless another Gypsy beats me to it! My father was the very first Gypsy professional chef. He and I are very much alike. We both set our hopes high. Setting my hopes high, gives me encouragement to go where no one has ever been before.

Gypsies, including myself, catch on very fast. Here's an example: I was home-schooled all my life up until the 4th grade. Words couldn't describe my fear the first day that I walked into that classroom. I soon overcame my fears. Certain kids were assigned to bring me up to speed, (I had only been on a 2nd grade level). In due time, I became the smartest kid in the class. My teacher was astonished! Then the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) rolled around. This was the test that would determine whether I would go on to 5th grade or not. I had finally got my scores back, and that's when I learned that I had the highest score in my county!

The next year flew by like a summer breeze, and before I knew I had to take that very same test. And when I got my scores back this time what do you think happened? Well, once again I had gotten the highest score in my county. That just goes to show you that if you work hard enough, anything is possible.

Another great thing about Gypsies is that we have amazing talents: musical talents to be exact. My sisters and I sing in our church choir. Since most Gypsies can't read or write, they teach themselves to play instruments like the piano and the guitar. Cool!

So there you have it. What it's like to walk in the shoes of a Gypsy. Sorry I couldn't be a little more informative. But it's hard to remember everything about us! I really do hope that you had an exciting time reading my article. God bless!

Elaina M., 12
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

* Reprinted from Positive Teens Magazine Volume 4 Issue 4, July/Aug 2002

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