Flamenco does not belong only to Gitanos (Spanish Roma or Gypsies) and has transcended culture-sp... more Flamenco does not belong only to Gitanos (Spanish Roma or Gypsies) and has transcended culture-specific beginnings to be considered universal. Yet it is the Spanish cultural manifestation most associated with Gitanos, by themselves and by the majority society, that is an important element of their ethnic identity. Based on many years of participant observation of flamenco in the context of the "fiesta flamenca" (literally "flamenco party") we explore some of the ways in which the expression of flamenco singing (cante), rhythm (compás) (and dance as an occasional reflection of this music) is not only the means of entertainment, but also the language of communication. As a significant element of their identity, it is the cement, which holds together the participants, at the same time that the subtle but significant differences in the cante and compás reflect subtle but important differences of identity among different groups of Gitanos.
Gitanos (Spanish Roma) have undergone major transformations in the last half-century. But in some... more Gitanos (Spanish Roma) have undergone major transformations in the last half-century. But in some areas, they were already successfully included in the majority society. Some have practiced "resistance to respectability" (Kaprow, 1982) but we examine a family history of Andalusian Gitanos, neither marginal nor exotic, who did not. Representing the importance of local context and choice in a determined socioeconomic conjuncture, their cultural creativity provides a positive perspective from which to look at Gitano history. Without denying negative and traumatic treatment "from above", we attempt to move beyond exclusionary perspectives which objectify and essentialize Roma based on marginalization, discrimination and poverty. We celebrate the historical ability of Gitanos in Southern Spain to become a respected integral part of the local community, and thus seek a different perspective from which to look at the history of this community.
Gitanos (Spanish Roma) have undergone major transformations in the last half-century. But in some... more Gitanos (Spanish Roma) have undergone major transformations in the last half-century. But in some areas, they were already successfully included in the majority society. Some have practiced “resistance to respectability” (Kaprow, 1982) but we examine a family history of Andalusian Gitanos, neither marginal nor exotic, who did not. Representing the importance of local context and choice in a determined socioeconomic conjuncture, their cultural creativity provides a positive perspective from which to look at Gitano history. Without denying negative and traumatic treatment “from above”, we attempt to move beyond exclusionary perspectives which objectify and essentialize Roma based on marginalization, discrimination and poverty. We celebrate the historical ability of Gitanos in Southern Spain to become a respected integral part of the local community, and thus seek a different perspective from which to look at the history of this community.
Flamenco does not belong only to Gitanos (Spanish Roma or Gypsies) and has transcended culture-sp... more Flamenco does not belong only to Gitanos (Spanish Roma or Gypsies) and has transcended culture-specific beginnings to be considered universal. Yet it is the Spanish cultural manifestation most associated with Gitanos, by themselves and by the majority society, that is an important element of their ethnic identity. Based on many years of participant observation of flamenco in the context of the "fiesta flamenca" (literally "flamenco party") we explore some of the ways in which the expression of flamenco singing (cante), rhythm (compás) (and dance as an occasional reflection of this music) is not only the means of entertainment, but also the language of communication. As a significant element of their identity, it is the cement, which holds together the participants, at the same time that the subtle but significant differences in the cante and compás reflect subtle but important differences of identity among different groups of Gitanos.
Gitanos (Spanish Roma) have undergone major transformations in the last half-century. But in some... more Gitanos (Spanish Roma) have undergone major transformations in the last half-century. But in some areas, they were already successfully included in the majority society. Some have practiced "resistance to respectability" (Kaprow, 1982) but we examine a family history of Andalusian Gitanos, neither marginal nor exotic, who did not. Representing the importance of local context and choice in a determined socioeconomic conjuncture, their cultural creativity provides a positive perspective from which to look at Gitano history. Without denying negative and traumatic treatment "from above", we attempt to move beyond exclusionary perspectives which objectify and essentialize Roma based on marginalization, discrimination and poverty. We celebrate the historical ability of Gitanos in Southern Spain to become a respected integral part of the local community, and thus seek a different perspective from which to look at the history of this community.
Gitanos (Spanish Roma) have undergone major transformations in the last half-century. But in some... more Gitanos (Spanish Roma) have undergone major transformations in the last half-century. But in some areas, they were already successfully included in the majority society. Some have practiced “resistance to respectability” (Kaprow, 1982) but we examine a family history of Andalusian Gitanos, neither marginal nor exotic, who did not. Representing the importance of local context and choice in a determined socioeconomic conjuncture, their cultural creativity provides a positive perspective from which to look at Gitano history. Without denying negative and traumatic treatment “from above”, we attempt to move beyond exclusionary perspectives which objectify and essentialize Roma based on marginalization, discrimination and poverty. We celebrate the historical ability of Gitanos in Southern Spain to become a respected integral part of the local community, and thus seek a different perspective from which to look at the history of this community.
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