Description:
In her article „‚…wie die Zigeuner‘ Das Feindbild ‚Zigeuner‘ bei Luther“ Miriam Breß examines the negative Perception of Sinti and Romanies and tries to elicit the reason for the antiziganism that has lasted for centuries and is still existing in Europe today. In order to find answers the author goes back to the onset of Sinti and Romanies settling in Europe: the early 15th century.The greatest influence on the world view of those living in these times were the writings of Martin Luther, which could provide an indication of the origin of the prejudices against this minority. The conceptions of ‘gypsies’ that have been passed on in Luther’s writings are canvassed under the consideration of the theological and social-psychological background of processes of group formation and mechanisms of exclusion. In conclusion, the role of Martin Luther in the formation of the concept of ‘gypsies’ as enemies in the early modern age is clarified.