Poscast on Gypsies in Spain

[Edith]

Hola Ben y Marina,

Wouldn't it be interesting to do a podcast on Gypsies in Spain? Most people associate them with flamenco music or with social problems, but what do we really know about their culture? I think this might be a great idea for another podcast. :)

[Brian]

Don't forget that Podcast 15 (http://www.notesfromspain.com/132/) dealt with Flamenco music, talking a bit about the gitanos.

I agree, though, that it might be an interesting podcast. They're an intriguing people group, and though at times maligned (in some cases justified), they have great cultural significance in Spain.

[Edith]

Don't forget that Podcast 15 (http://www.notesfromspain.com/132/) dealt with Flamenco music, talking a bit about the gitanos.

I agree, though, that it might be an interesting podcast. They're an intriguing people group, and though at times maligned (in some cases justified), they have great cultural significance in Spain.

Very true. That's precisely why I think this would be an interesting subject for a new podcast. I'd like to know more about their history, their culture, and about the underlying causes of their social problems. It would also be interesting to meet some gitanos who have made it economically, not only flamenco artists but people in other professions as well.

[ValenciaSon]

I remember the day I almost gave my grandmother a coronary in Spain. I was a kid and brought home a new friend I made. He was a gypsy. Until then I thought my grandmother was one of the kindest, gentlest persons. Then I saw her visceral reaction to my friend. The gypsies are the oppressed in Spain. I hope that is changing. Maybe it is already, I don't know.

[Brian]

I remember the day I almost gave my grandmother a coronary in Spain. I was a kid and brought home a new friend I made. He was a gypsy. Until then I thought my grandmother was one of the kindest, gentlest persons. Then I saw her visceral reaction to my friend. The gypsies are the oppressed in Spain. I hope that is changing. Maybe it is already, I don't know.

Time seems to change opinions, no doubt, but it takes a long time for opinions to change between ethnic groups. See: Middle East.

But, I wonder aloud if the gypsies are so ostracized for keeping to themselves so much?

[Edith]

But, I wonder aloud if the gypsies are so ostracized for keeping to themselves so much?

It's probably a long, long history.

BTW, the Gypsies were persecuted mercilessly by the Nazis; only the Iberian Gypsies were safe from the gas chambers.

[Brian]

It's probably a long, long history.

BTW, the Gypsies were persecuted mercilessly by the Nazis; only the Iberian Gypsies were safe from the gas chambers.

Hitler persecuted just about anything that wasn't Aryan, so, no surprise there.

[Edith]

Hitler persecuted just about anything that wasn't Aryan, so, no surprise there.

And the irony was that by keeping Spain out of World War II, Franco (who was pro-Axis, no doubt about that!) created some sort of safe haven for both Jews and Gypsies.

[Ben]

Hola Ben y Marina,

Wouldn't it be interesting to do a podcast on Gypsies in Spain? Most people associate them with flamenco music or with social problems, but what do we really know about their culture? I think this might be a great idea for another podcast. :)

GReat idea Edith, it's on the list!

[Edith]

GReat idea Edith, it's on the list!

:clap: