Gebildete non-Roma: partnering with Roma in the struggle against structural antigypsyism

My thesis investigates non-Romani identities with the aim of forging new allies for Roma in the struggle against structural antigypsyism. The ultimate goal of the inquiry is to contribute to the emergence of a body of non-Romani activists and researchers willing and able to reflect upon and develop the concept and practice of a gebildete non-Romani identity. This is defined as an identity that is engaged with and questions its own historical roots and prejudices and seeks to actively overcome these through thoughtful and deliberate action, based on insights from hermeneutics and critical whiteness. I argue that by going back to the genealogies of this form of racism and understanding the shadow it casts upon Roma and non-Roma alike; by consciously cultivating an attitude of openness and transgressively reclaiming non-Romani identities, whether individually or collectively; and by learning how to live with and operate with and attitude of continuous openness (Bildung), non-Roma can reach a deeper understanding of antigypsyism and their role in perpetuating or indeed addressing it. To grapple with the role of non-Roma in the constellation of antigypsyism, I turn to philosophical hermeneutics, critical race theories, feminism and queer approaches to widen the lens of understanding regarding how Romani but also non-Romani identities were constructed historically and why that history matters. I exemplify how these identities play out in individual human relationships but also as part of societal structures through encounters and dialogue and how it is possible to set up a process of reimagining them in ways that are meaningful and intentional and contribute to resolving the oppression levelled at Roma.