STEREOTYPE OF HUNGARIANS : WE ARE GYPSIES

 Here in the United States we often hear the words Hungarian and Gypsies together ("Hungarian Gypsy") as in Hungarian Gypsy music, as if there were not Gypsy (or is that Rom or Romany) music in other countries and as if the music of the Gypsies were identical to Hungarian music or as if there are not people of one of the many tribes or clans of gypsies in other countries.

Now, I admit to you that I'm just learning about Hungarian music and don't know enough about Hungarian music or Gypsy music. Maybe this is all about the violin as a preferred musical instrument? But as I understand it, one of the accepted roles of Gypsy musicians was and is to play at Hungarian events, including weddings. Could it be that in Hungary, Gypsy music was more appreciated than in other European countries? Would that be because it's closer to traditional Hungarian music?

I simply have never heard the words "Polish Gypsy Music," or "British Gypsy Music," or "French Gypsy Music."

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