History and counter-history: Roma and historical narrative(s)
Abstract
Roma are often omitted from history books. Therefore, their part in shaping the history of their respective countries is ignored. Research suggests that information about Roma is generally not only poorly integrated in the teaching materials, but even when mentioned, Roma tend to appear only in two historical contexts: as victims of the Holocaust and losers of systematic transformation (for example on Hungary, see Binder & Pálos, 2016). Moreover, Roma are often portrayed as passive “bystanders”, rather than agents of change.
Interest into the Roma Holocaust, the topic of this module, has been growing. By focusing on the Roma Holocaust – or the Porrajmos, as it is known in Romani – this module:
- highlights the importance of (re-)considering historical narrative from multiple perspectives; and
- portrays Roma not as silenced victims but as agents of change, actively resisting oppression and inhumane treatment.
Students involved in this module are encouraged to think of the definition of resistance in the most comprehensive way: everyday forms of resistance, symbolic acts of resistance, discursive acts of resistance, etc.
In addition, re-interpretation of history is encouraged through questioning of the power dynamics between victim and perpetrator, and evaluation of “invisible” forms of resistance, such as acts of love, solidarity, and support amid suffering. This module offers excerpts from testimonies from Roma Holocaust survivors. By reading these testimonies, students not only gain a better appreciation of oral history, but also gain an insight into the interpretation of events as seen or experienced by Roma. This module is also approaching the Holocaust from a unique perspective: rather than focusing solely on forms of oppression, discrimination and cruelty, this module emphasises bravery, resistance, and the importance of collective experience.
Objectives:
- learning about community oriented oral history,
- learning about history narrated through oral testimonies,
- recognizing historical acts of resistance,
- hearing the voices of those perceived as “powerless”.
Target group: High school (upper grades, 16-18 years old) and university students
Keywords: Holocaust, WWII, Roma, historical interpretation, counter-history