Lately, with the burden of upcoming exams resting heavily on my shoulders, I have been watching "Big Fat Gypsy Weddings" on youtube for a bit of light-hearted relief. This (not too serious) documentary focuses on the lives of gypsies in Great Britain.
Of course a lot of the time it is about weddings and the incredible dresses/cakes/festivities that the gypsies enjoy on their big day but it is also about the culture, relationships, gender roles and society's increasing influence and pressure on day to day gypsy life.
No doubt their lives are very different to my own, which is why it is interesting in the first place. I always strive to watch documentaries and read books about cultures different from my own and that I struggle to comprehend. I love reading about ways of life that are polar opposite to my own. For example, I like to read and gain knowledge about Amish communities and African tribes. It isn't knowledge that I use on a daily basis but it does give me insights into how other people live and operate which is always of interest to me (which I guess is why I'm studying sociology in some regard).
The gypsies (also known as travelers) live a very unique style of life. Their clothing is very unique and they have very strict expectations about the roles of males and females in their community. Even their style of courtship is very dissimilar to ours. I don't necessarily agree with the constraints that are placed on women in their community but it is something that is a part of their culture so that's not for me to judge.
After that lengthy introduction, the main reason why I'm blogging about this show is that I really like the way it has been approached. The most important feature I appreciate is the link between our world and theirs. Obviously, there is a large level of conflict and confusion between gypsies and non-gypsies, and I believe a lot of this stems from the fact that gypsies have a bad reputation in the UK and also that they are very secretive so it's hard to really understand their lives. I really like how the producers of this documentary have made the link between the two worlds a bridal dressmaker. The dressmaker, who is not a gypsy, makes many dresses for gypsy life-cycle functions. She has, therefore, spent a lot of time with gypsies and has attended many traveler festivities. She often gives gems of wisdom about the differences between their cultures and ours and how it is important not to judge them merely for being different. Her insight into the community is unheard of for a non-traveler so it is the perfect perspective for the producers to take advantage of.
As a journalism student, it is important for me to recognize and appreciate what may seem like small aspects like this. This documentary has shown me how you can find unlikely candidates that perfectly fill a very necessary role... it just takes some searching around. I honestly cannot think of a better character, than the non-gypsy, dressmaker who mostly makes gypsy wedding dresses, to be the voice of understanding and tolerance between the two worlds.
Another aspect of this documentary that I like is the balance between the somber moments where they discuss the challenges that the gypsies face in preserving their way of life and the times that their houses have been knocked down by the government and the more light, bright and happy moments when they are getting married or celebrating religious occasions.
Whatever your view on the gypsies and their lifestyle, this documentary is worth watching. I have enjoyed it immensely and it's become a lot more to me than just a study break. I have gained a new perspective on the gypsy people and their culture and I've also learnt some things about making and producing documentaries.
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