Since when does one have to be an expert in interethnic relationships to know that discrimination, hatred, racism, and violence are not right? And isn’t one of the best parts of being a pop star/icon one’s ability to influence the thoughts and actions of others? I’m certain that that was Madonna’s intention during her Wednesday night concert in Bucharest, Romania. After reading a recent article, via yahoo news, about Madonna being booed and jeered after pausing in between songs to state, “It has been brought to my attention … that there is a lot of discrimination against Romanies and Gypsies in general in Eastern Europe,” she said. “It made me feel very sad.” She continued with, “We don’t believe in discrimination … we believe in freedom and equal rights for everyone.”
Her recognition of this widespread aversion and hostility toward this nomadic ethnic group, commonly referred to as Roma or Gypsies, came with the inclusion of the Roma musicians and dancer on her “Sticky and Sweet” tour. A twenty-three-year-old was quoted in the article as resenting the fact that Madonna was even involving herself in the business of telling them these things. A twenty-three-year-old! I’m with Madonna. This makes me feel very sad and that is an understatement. There is obviously a lack of education occurring and people need to know about this. Influential people need to act. Two thumbs up to Madonna for speaking out and two, fat thumbs down to Radu Matoc, the official at Soros Foundation Romania for stating, “Madonna is a pop star. She is not an expert on interethnic relations.”
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