Due to the Rroma’s late arrival to a non-nomadic Europe and their unique cultural identity, the formation of a nation-state was severely deterred as well as integration, assimilation or even extermination. Being nationless has left them vulnerable to the dominant society. It has given them less cohesiveness and therefore less power. It has made it difficult to institutionalize their language or obtain political power. They do not even have one religion that unites them, such as the Jews.

Despite all of this, they have survived and strengthened as a group all across the globe. There are now efforts to create a standardized Rromani language. There are numerous organizations and political groups made up of Rroma fighting for Rromas’ rights. On April 8th, we will celebrate International Roma Day.

There are some who argue that the Rroma do not share one culture. They do not speak one language. They do not have one defining religion. Therefore, they should not be seen as one ethnic group.

I disagree. They have traditions that are similar and at times even identical for Rroma across the globe. They have one language with different dialects. They share a history, customs and challenges. They have survived thousands of years of persecution and genocide and yet grow stronger every day.

What is it that unites this group of people? Being an American, I can’t help but compare them to the United States, to my own culture. The United States is an old nation is terms of its constitution. It is old in terms of the original indigenous societies that inhabited the geographical area. It is a very new nation in terms of its ethnic identity. It does not have one cultural identity that unites its people. It is built upon ideas–not a collective consciousness.

Many Americans talk about the strength of this nation. I see strength when I look at the Rroma. I see the United States as a great big tower of building blocks swaying back and forth beneath the weight of its own ambition.

What unites the Rroma is something deeper, something stronger. I’m talking about common roots. I’m talking about Romani tribes.