A few people have asked me what I mean by Neo-Gypsylorist. I'm still a bit under the weather so asked AI to give a definition - which interestingly fits with my view of the term. See below. Neo-Gypsylorism is a term that builds on the concept of Gypsylorism, which historically refers to the romanticized, exotified portrayal of Romani (Gypsy) and Traveller communities, often by outsiders. While Gypsylorism emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries through literature, art, and early ethnographic studies—casting these groups as mysterious, free-spirited, or "noble savages"—Neo-Gypsylorism is a modern evolution of this mindset. It critiques contemporary attitudes that perpetuate these stereotypes, often under the guise of scholarship, cultural appreciation, or policy-making, while ignoring the lived realities of Romani and Traveller people. The "neo" prefix suggests a revival or adaptation of these older ideas in a new context, often tied to modern academic or institutional frameworks like Romani Studies. Critics argue that Neo-Gypsylorism manifests when researchers, policymakers, or activists—sometimes even with good intentions—focus excessively on romanticized cultural traits (like nomadism or folklore) rather than addressing systemic issues such as discrimination, poverty, or historical abuses. It’s seen as a subtle form of othering, where these communities are still framed as exotic or separate from mainstream society, rather than as fully integrated groups with agency and diverse experiences. In the context of Dr. Lynne Tammi-Connelly’s post about the Tinker Experiments, Neo-Gypsylorism might be linked to the alleged involvement of "Neo-Gypsylorist" members in a scrutiny panel. Here, it could imply that some panelists approached the investigation with a biased lens—perhaps prioritizing a sanitized or stereotypical narrative over the raw truth of historical atrocities like forced assimilation or child trafficking. This aligns with broader critiques in Romani Studies, where Neo-Gypsylorism is accused of sidelining subaltern voices (those of the Romani themselves) in favour of outsider interpretations, thus perpetuating power imbalances. In short, Neo-Gypsylorism is a critical term used to challenge modern-day romanticization or misrepresentation of Romani and Traveller identities, calling instead for perspectives that centre their own narratives and historical realities.