Roma People Demand the Removal of TV Show

Istanbul Roma People Associations Federation demanded the removal of a new TV series, saying that it bolstered prejudices against them. The show, Roman Havası, will have its second episode tonight on Show TV.  

“You humiliated us”

Adnan Demirez read a press statement on behalf of Istanbul Roma People Associations Federation, saying that the new show used Roma people as a tool for racism by undermining the long struggle. 

“Our Roma people don’t necessarily pick up their heels all the time, they struggle against discrimination, accommodation, employment and education. This show is not ‘Roma beat’ as in its titles, but ‘Prejudice beat against Roma people’. We come from all parts of Turkey and struggle to remove these prejudices.

“You ignore this and then represent Roma people who always pick up their heels, eat dry pumpkin seeds, quarrel with their neighbors, wear eccentric clothes, talk strange, don’t care a damn and inclined to theft. This is feeding racism against Roma people.” 

While Demirez also emphasized on freedom of expression and the humiliation of 4 million Roma people, he said: “If you intend to raise the voice of Roma people, then remove this show.”

Balık Ayhan: Didn’t they have their lesson?

Artist Balık Ayhan said the following: We, as artist with Roma background, are trying to perform our art as well as we can. We managed to remove the negative regards and prejudices. We shot the movie “Ağır roman”, we performed in local festivities like Hıdrellez, we shared our wounds. Didn’t the script writers take a lesson? Why don’t they even dare to give us a call? Why do they write dialogues like that? What is the use of the government’s Roma opening? The moment you say gypsy, you commit a hate crime. I am making a complaint against all script writers here.” (RK/NV/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.