Society Uncensored | Roma Unmediated

In “Society Uncensored” series, active citizens share their experiences without any form of censorship. Through deep and sincere discussions, critical aspects of our societal lives are highlighted on an open platform of exchange and fruitful dialogue. This is the objective of “Society Uncensored,” a series that was launched in order to let a multitude of voices be heard and with the ambition to diffuse different – and at times marginalized or controversial – ideas, provoke thoughts, and raise awareness with regards to major societal issues as made prominent by current events, public discourse on social and traditional media, and our everyday life.

What is it like to live outside of history? To remain invisible and become visible only at the moment of your violent annihilation? To be excluded from citizenship and called out to apologize for your very exclusion?

Is your life of any value if you are a Roma person in Greece?

The Roma community, diverse and intricate, with a long-standing presence in the Greek region and a particular contribution to culture, remains ostracized.

Ostracized from the urban fabric, education, work, health services, and the judicial system. This is a social group that faces many and multiple forms of discrimination.

The Greek state itself, through actions or omissions, is systematically violating the rights of Roma people. Due to this, it has been heavily criticized and reprimanded by international organizations, while it has been occasionally condemned by the European Court of Human Rights. Antigypsyism, itself a manifestation of racial sentiment against Roma people based on racial supremacy and aided by prejudices, is institutional, as well as of social origins; a feedback loop that produces stereotypes, violence, and suffering.

The recent murders of 18-year-old Roma Nikos Sampanis and 16-year-old Roma Kostas Fragoulis by policemen, the political and social tolerance bordering on approval with which they were framed, revealed in the most painful manner the fundamental devaluing of the lives of Roma people. Respectively, the death of 8-year-old Olga at a factory in Keratsini, under conditions of absolute negligence, evinced that the current dehumanization strategy against Roma people exerts a corrosive effect on social conscience.

Discourse is a field where power is exercised. Roma have a scarce appearance in the public sphere. They are rather assimilated within hegemonical discourses that are mediated by denigrations, exoticisms, and fictional representations. However, discourse is equally a field where ruptures and resistances are produced.

In this framework, the Onassis Stegi chooses to organize a discussion centered around the problems, as well as the capacities of the Roma community, providing the very members of this community a space and a floor to speak.

To let the story be told by its very subjects, about their everyday life and their unknown moments of glory, about arts and culture, about their sorrow and pride, about their frustrations and demands.

A portal of encounter, towards a perspective of inclusivity on the grounds of recognizing and accepting linguistic and cultural differences, equality, conversation, and justice.

Now, the “Society Uncensored” series of digital discussions is physically held at the Upper Stage of Onassis Stegi, inviting citizens to become a part of a productive dialogue through a Q&A session. The discussion will be filmed and presented on the Onassis YouTube Channel in spring 2023. Admission to the event is free and a pre-booking of your seat is required. By attending this discussion, the audience members consent to their video recording. Parental consent is necessary for the entry of young persons under 18. Audience arrival will begin at 18:30.

Paraskevi Vilanaki: Special Education Teacher

Giannis Georgiou: Sociologist

Katerina Demetriou: Roma Mediator

Alexandra Karagianni: Lawyer, Council of Europe Expert

Vasileios Pantzos: President of the Panhellenic Confederation of Greek Roma “ELLAN PASSE”

Giannis Sampanis: Nikos Sampanis' father

Moderated by George Vilanakis, Scientific Collaborator of “ELLAN PASSE,” member of the European Youth Network “TernYpe,” influencer