Recycled (mis)representations: Gypsies, Travellers or Roma treated as objects, rarely subjects

Abstract

Outsider (mis)representations of Gypsies, Travellers or Roma, especially in populist newsprint and other media are analysed. Given the crisis in newspaper sales, there is greater incentive to create alarmist headlines and melodrama to enhance visibility and increase circulation. Traditionally valued in-depth journalism presupposes detailed enquiry, direct experience and face-to-face questioning. Ideally, the investigative journalist should not uncritically recycle hackneyed clichs. Yet pre-judgement dominates populist news coverage of Gypsies, Travellers and Roma. Centuries' old stereotypes are recycled with minimum legal protection for the demonised minority.