My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding": A Glimpse Into The Lives Of Irish Travellers And Their Lavish Nuptial

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding is a British documentary series that explores the lives and traditions of several British Traveller families as they prepare for a wedding. The series also features Romanichal (British Gypsies) in several episodes. The show has been criticised by the Irish Traveller and British Gypsy/Traveller communities for misrepresenting them. The Romani Gypsy community has also criticised the series for misrepresenting the ethnic minority with non-Romani characters posing as Gypsy. The show has faced a number of controversies, including allegations of racism in its advertising and instigating a rise in the rate of racially motivated bullying.

Romani-Americans, including members of Romanichal clans and those of Irish Traveller descent

My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding is an American reality TV series that follows the marriage customs of Romani-Americans, including members of Romanichal clans and those of Irish Traveller descent. The show has been criticised for misrepresenting the Romani-American community, with some claiming that it features non-Romani characters posing as "Gypsy".

The series has also been criticised for perpetuating stereotypes and presenting a biased view of Romani-American culture and traditions. Some viewers and critics have described the show as wildly misleading, voyeuristic, shallow, and degrading.

Despite the criticism, My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding has spawned several spin-offs, including "Gypsy Sisters" and "Gypsyville". The show has also inspired international versions, such as the British original, "Big Fat Gypsy Weddings", which aired on Channel 4 and TLC.

The series provides an insight into the lives of Romani-Americans, including their wedding traditions, family dynamics, and ancient rituals. However, it has been accused of focusing primarily on the lavish and extravagant aspects of these events, such as teenage brides, elaborate dresses, and bouffant hairdos, rather than providing a holistic and accurate representation of Romani-American culture and its place in the United States.

The show has sparked debates about the portrayal of minority groups in the media and the potential impact on viewers' perceptions. While some defend the show as entertaining, others argue that it contributes to a deep misunderstanding of the Romani-American community and perpetuates negative stereotypes.

Virgin brides and purity

Virginity is a key theme in the first episode of *My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding*, titled "Virgin Gypsy Brides". The episode centres around two teenage girls, Hope and Shyanne, who are undergoing different rites of passage under the watchful eyes of their protective mothers. Both girls are virgins, and their stories explore the expectation of no sex before marriage in Gypsy culture.

Hope, who is turning 15, is throwing a lavish birthday party under the supervision of her mother, Moncella. Hope's dress for the occasion is designed by Sondra Celli, who is instructed to make the dress revealing but not too much, so that Hope remains unaware of what awaits her on her wedding night. Hope ends up falling for an older boy, Cole, but ultimately decides against running away with him.

Shyanne, 17, is engaged to be married and has given dressmaker Sondra Celli just four days to create her dream wedding dress, complete with rhinestone bedazzling, electric pink piping, and a 30-foot train. Shyanne's fiancé proposed to her via text with a Ring Pop, and the episode follows their journey to the wedding day.

The episode also explores the apparent discrepancy between the girls' appearance and their virginity. The girls dress in a style that has been compared to mid-range prostitutes, and they seem to enjoy simulating lap dances. However, their virginity is highly valued, with one Gypsy man stating, "I want something new, I don't want something used."

The expectation of virginity in Gypsy brides is a significant cultural aspect explored in "Virgin Gypsy Brides", highlighting the rites of passage and expectations that teenage girls in these communities face as they navigate their way towards marriage.

Gender roles, including the role of the gypsy housewife and the role of the gypsy man

Gender roles and expectations are clearly defined in the Romany Gypsy community, and these are often reflected in the various marriage customs showcased in the reality TV series "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". The series, which has aired in both the UK and the US, has sparked controversy for its portrayal of the Romany Gypsy community and has been criticised for perpetuating stereotypes.

In the traditional Romany Gypsy community, women are expected to stay at home and do not work outside of it. They are often fully trained as housewives by their early teens and are expected to marry between the ages of 16 and 18. They are typically raised to be tough and are expected to be able to withstand pain and humiliation. While they are allowed to have boyfriends before marriage, it is frowned upon for them to have had more than four and to have been kissed. If their teenage marriages fail, they are seen as "used goods" and are no longer considered attractive to other men.

The role of the Gypsy man, on the other hand, is deeply rooted in masculinity and violence. Gypsy boys are trained from a young age to withstand pain and to be aggressive. They are often expected to engage in bare-knuckled fighting and other acts of violence to prove their masculinity. In the community, men are seen as the head of the household and are in charge of decision-making, including the planning of extravagant weddings and birthday parties.

The dynamic between Gypsy men and women is complex and deeply entrenched in traditional gender norms. While there have been some modern adaptations, such as women seeking education and employment outside the home, the community largely adheres to these strict gender roles.

The Romani Gypsy community's criticism of the series for misrepresenting their ethnic minority

The TV series "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" and its American spin-off "My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding" have been criticised by the Romani Gypsy community for misrepresenting their ethnic minority. The shows have been accused of cultivating racist stereotypes, reinforcing negative stereotypes, and presenting a simplistic and misleading view of Romani culture.

One of the main criticisms is that the shows group Travellers and Roma together, ignoring the prominent differences between the two cultures. Travellers are ethnic Irish, while Roma people originated in Eastern Europe and India. The shows have also been criticised for their lack of historical and political context, failing to explain the reasons behind the nomadic lifestyle of these communities and the centuries of prejudice they have faced.

Another criticism is that the shows focus on extravagant weddings and over-the-top parties, which are not representative of the majority of Romani people. The series has been accused of exploiting its subjects, promising them 15 minutes of fame without compensation, and reinforcing the idea that Romani people are only interested in money and material possessions.

The Romani Gypsy community has also taken issue with the portrayal of women in the series. They argue that the shows depict women as nothing but slaves to men, good only for cooking, cleaning, and being sexually available to their husbands. This is particularly offensive to the community, as Romani women have traditionally faced discrimination and marginalisation within their own culture.

In addition to these issues, the shows have been criticised for omitting major cultural details, such as the diversity of traditions within the Romani community and the fact that not all Romani wedding dresses are extremely extravagant. The series has also been accused of perpetuating the stereotype that Romani parents force their daughters to leave school at a young age to get married and start families. In reality, many Romani people value education and have successful careers in a variety of fields.

Overall, the Romani Gypsy community feels that "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" and its spin-off misrepresent their ethnic minority, reinforce negative stereotypes, and contribute to the misunderstanding and discrimination faced by their community.

The Romani Gypsy community's customs, including their marriage customs

The Romani people, also known as Roma, are an ethnic group of Indo-Aryan origin who traditionally lived a nomadic, itinerant lifestyle. They are believed to have originated in Kashmir in Northwest India and migrated to Europe around the 13th or 14th century. The Romani language is an Indo-Aryan language with strong Balkan and Greek influences. It is divided into several dialects and is spoken by millions of Romani people worldwide.

Romani culture heavily emphasizes the importance of family and community. Marriage is a significant custom in Romani society, underscoring familial ties and connections between different groups, often transnationally. Traditionally, marriages are arranged, and it is customary for the groom's parents to pay a bride price to the bride's family. The selection of the bride is based on various factors, including health, stamina, strength, manners, and domestic skills, rather than physical appearance. While these traditions are still followed by some Romani communities, many young couples have opposed arranged marriages and instead opted for elopement or legally registered marriages.

Romani wedding celebrations are joyous occasions marked by music, singing, dancing, and feasting. Symbolic rituals are often incorporated, such as exchanging bread or drinking wine. The wedding itself, called the "abiav," holds symbolic value but carries no religious significance.

In addition to marriage customs, the Romani community adheres to a set of legal traditions and moral codes known as "romaniya." These traditions are based on an ancient folk religion with roots in Indian sources. The marimé code, a fundamental aspect of romaniya, governs hygiene and sexuality, with strict rules surrounding menstruation, childbirth, and interactions between men and women.

The Romani community also has specific dietary restrictions and culinary practices. They refrain from consuming horse meat and consider it forbidden in Christian Romani communities. Hedgehog is considered a delicacy and is also associated with high status.

The Romani people have a rich and diverse culture that has evolved and adapted over time. While some traditions have been lost due to persecution and assimilation, the Romani have found ways to preserve their heritage and maintain their unique identity within society.

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