Comments on: Cultural Evolution, Gypsy-Punk Style

By: Joanna

Joanna — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:30:58 +0000

Gypsy in the blood. Apparently a not too distant ancestor was a romany gypsy woman, known to squat by the fire and smoke a pipe. Trying to get any further information regarding this from old aunts was met with ‘we don’t talk about that’, to them it was a shameful fact. Surrounded by mystery and the image of a ‘free spirit’, very romantic, however the gypsies as you pointed to, are also known for theivery and being outlaws and outcasts.

By: Frank Luke

Frank Luke — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 17:02:44 +0000

What’s heartening is that thousands of people are pushing back on France’s expelling the Roma. And yet there’s that two-minded take on gypsies who are driven to ripping off tourists and other activities that give them a bad name. Seems like a Catch 22 situation.

By: Frank Luke

Frank Luke — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:42:23 +0000

I recently saw the POV video “Gypsy Caravan” that captured the vibrancy, color, and exuberance of those people. I really enjoyed and appreciated the beauty of how it was presented, filmed with great production values with great photography.

Now France is expelling the Roma population and these unfortunates seem to be pariahs to society. Their being pariahs naturally lead them to lives of being outlaws with a reputation for theivery. And yet culturally they are so admired, beloved for their music and “carefree” souls. Another example of life’s injustices.

By: Joanna

Joanna — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:55:06 +0000

Tell it like it is….! Grreeaat. Gotta to love the gypsy spirit.

Cheered me up today, thanks.

;)

By: Martin Norddahl

Martin Norddahl — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:12:32 +0000

This is really such a refrehingly, authentic kick into the often quite up-tight milieu of music and art in general.
He really says, what not many dare to utter in this realm of art!

By: Rosina

Rosina — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:46:43 +0000

Christina, I hear you, we all need to be aware of the power of our words and it is also true that many, if not most Americans have no idea who the Roma are, or the current situations they live in. When I read the words “rough and wacky” I assumed the author was referring to the punk part of the term “Gypsy Punk”. Also, being witness to the rise of Gogol Bordello in the U.S., they have been largely responsible for an increased awareness and interest in Roma music and culture. Fans who hear the Gogol Bordello sound then recognize the traditional sound and are able to hear something they may not have heard before…Thank you for your work that you are doing and the next time you have a chance, go see Gogol Bordello live, you won’t be sorry!!!!

By: Annica Carlmark

Annica Carlmark — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:46:34 +0000

How refreshing!
Ripping a hole in the suffocating politically correct mantra of our times: be a slick success at any cost – letting in some urgently needed fresh air.
Thanks to Eugene Hutz for putting his focus on the creative process itself. It gives what he says some real juice – beyond the spicy language.

By: Joel Pitney

Joel Pitney — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:06:32 +0000

In reference to “Couldn’t Care Less”:

Check out this EnlightenNext magazine interview with Buddhist Master Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche

http://www.enlightennext.org/magazine/j31/dzongsar.asp

By: Steve Haase

Steve Haase — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:53:37 +0000

I love it! “Lack of failure is kind of a sign of lack of talent, actually.”

His “couldn’t care less” attitude is awesomely uplifting, and his playing is infectious. Thanks for sharing, Joel.

By: Lola

Lola — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:42:54 +0000

@Christina; I know you are speaking most directly about the use of the word “gypsy”…but wanted to just add that Eugene Hutz and the band have also done humanitarian work internationally for Roma people. Eugene had a Roma grandmother (on his mother’s side) and is very aware of the Roma plight. Gypsy, serves, in this instance anyway, to communicate liveliness, color, and spirit (in my opinion).