Madonna booed for defending Gypsies

Madonna is currently on her "Sweet & Sticky Tour". Yeststerday the pop singer performed to an audience of 60,000 in Bucharest, Romania and was accompanied by Roma performers.

At one point Madonna spoke openly about her discomfort with widespread discrimination against Roma, or Gypsies. This became a turning point in the show as the crowd began to boo her.



According to Associated Press, some human rights advocates say Roma most likely suffer more endure more discrimination than any other group on the continent. Which human rights advocates were not specified in the AP article, nor were measures of this estimation provided.

There is a widespread distaste with Gypsies across Eastern Europe. Romanian Gypsies were slaves until the 19th century, and receive great bias to this day. While many East Europeans discriminate against Gypsies many enjoy Gypsy music and dance and consider it a regional part of their culture. Hmm..

So, although Madonna's audience enjoyed the Roma performers and embrace their style of music and dance, they refuse to acknowledge them as an acceptable group of people. Very sad indeed.

"We don't believe in discrimination ... we believe in freedom and equal rights for everyone", said Madonna. Madonna also mentioned disagreement with discrimination against homosexuals and was then again booed.

Damian Draghici, a Grammy Award-winner explained in an interview with AP that, "Romanians watch Gypsy soap operas, they like Gypsy music and go to Gypsy concerts but there has been a wave of aggression against Roma people in Italy, Hungary and Romania, which shows me something is not OK. The politicians have to do something about it. People have to be educated not to be prejudiced. All people are equal, and that is the message politicians must give."

Many Gypsies have migrated to Western Europe in search of better jobs and education. Many however do not have official identification, and therefore do not have access to certain social benefits. Many struggle to find adequate housing, health care and employment.

Many Europeans do not have sympathy or empathy for the Gypsies and consider them thieves who beg and steal.

Madonna evidently pays no attention to these biases and seems to have great affection for the gypsy culture. This isn't the first time Madonna has invited Gypsy musicians on tour.

In 2007 Madonna invited Gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello to perform with her.

(nymag.com)
Madonna and Gogol Bordello's Eugene Hutz onstage at Live Earth 2007


(www.52shows.com)
Gogol Bordello


(andrearf.wordpress.com)
Eugene Hutz and Gogol Bordello

When I first heard of this in 2007 I admit it appeared to be an odd collaboration. I do enjoy Gogol Bordello (and have a crush on the lead singer Eugene Hutz...hee!).

I am very glad that Madonna spoke up to discriminatory audiences despite their negative reactions. I hope she continues to speak up regardless of any bad press or pressures.