This special issue of Identities, entitled ‘Romaphobia and the media’, examines entrenched
and ongoing media coverage of Roma, Gypsy and Traveller people across Europe. The
focus is on how the media problematises the Roma, how it constructs a ‘conceptual
map’ about Roma people and what this tells us about the societies we live in. This
special issue includes five academic articles all examining the constructions and
stereotypes used in the media in various formats and
European countries. After these academic articles, this special issue then deviates
from the normal journal structure by including three commentary pieces from professionals
from varying Roma backgrounds to give their views and experiences
on how they tackle Romaphobia and the media. The inclusion of these commentary pieces
are very powerful in offering a perspective of active interventions and resistance
that we should not forget amidst the depressing continued circulation
of racialised stereotypes.
