“All Roma groups, however, fell victim to a ruling system that did not only limit their human rights, but withdrew them completely. "The dark skinned strangers" were denied their humanness: Roma were seen as "debased creatures" that "wanted to become slaves because it lifted them, although not to the level of human beings, to the same level of good, working, domestic animals". The terms "Ţigani" and "Robi" were interchangable, they described a certain social class. Roma were slaves from their birth on. They were not allowed to enter relationships with "free" persons, and marriages between slaves could only take place, if the respective owner granted permission. The spectrum of bodily violence ranged from flogging to torture and the death penalty. ”
—This is why it’s such a slap in the face when people equate “Gypsy” to being free spirited or the like. Also, more proof that “tigani” indisputably means slave.
