The Roma Peoples Project tweeted its appreciation to Equity: ''It is a step towards accurate representation of Roma people in mainstream society.''
I'm assuming it was originally called a Gypsy Robe because it honored the dancers who travel, like a Gypsy (or vagabond), from show to show.
But since the Roma people find the term ''Gypsy'' offensive and evokes negative stereotypes, it's an honorable gesture for Equity to respond to that. A bit of history: Reportedly, Europeans derisively called the Romani people ''Gypsies'' because they believed they came from Egypt because of their dark features. They also have been persecuted and enslaved. Roma historians estimate 70% of the Roma people were killed in the Holocaust.
In this country, many Native Americans find ''redskins'' offensive, and I wish the Washington Redskins would change that name, too.
Reacting to outdated ethnic stereotypes and the concerns of those offended, isn't ''P.C.'' It's being sensitive to living in a more diverse world.
