Now, something I've learned since moving to Bulgaria is that this term is offensive. Not quite on par with the N word in English but pretty close. And a school was judged lacking because they accepted all people in Bulgaria, not just the white ones.
I realized that I'm prone to be prejudiced against people who are racist. I get mad when I hear the word gypsy instead of Roma and I put on my imaginary judge's robes and decide that those people are guilty sinners. I feel better educated and more loving because I don't use demeaning language or judge others because of their race. I just judge others because of the things they say without getting to know them and their own struggles. I think there's a place for addressing social injustice. But that place needs to be from a place of humility and not pride.
Tim Keller reminded me of this in his devotional, God's Wisdom for Navigating Life, in one of the readings for this month. He writes, “...it is never race and social standing but faith in Jesus Christ alone that brings you an inheritance in God’s family (Matthew 8: 11–12; 1 Corinthians 1: 27–31; Galatians 3: 26–29).” This reminder brought me perspective and has enabled me to look at my own heart, even as I fight against social injustice in Bulgaria.