How do we solve the Roma problem?

I just don't feel that this question translates well to english. Today I don't really want to discuss issues of ethnicity or ethnic groups. I just want to bring forward the power of words.

In Bulgaria, I hear what I would consider racists comments about ethnic groups on a frequent basis (be it roma, turks, asians, bulgarians, black people, americans, etc). This isn't all that different from America.

What I would like to talk about today is how the media can direct and control a issue by framing the questions. By asking a person "How do we solve the Roma Problems", the person answering must, by default, coincide that the issue is indeed a Roma one and that it is serious enough to merit a search for answers. It is impossible to reject the question because it brings forward a long and lengthy discussion that most journalist don't want to listen to.

This isn't the fault of the journalist because it just seems the most easiest way to start a discussion about the issue of interest. However, this lack journalistic understanding can severely misrepresent an issue. It also has dire consequences. If we can never get past this typical dialogue with predicable answers, we will never reach any pragmatic understanding that will further the situation.

So, again, "How do we solve the Roma problem?". Let's look at this question:

• By asking how we (the community) can solve the Roma (them) problem, we are creating divisions; a cultured community trying to solve their problems (roma). In order to honestly begin to appraise this situation of a unprivileged ethnic group, we need to realize that it isn't a Roma question, its a Community question (in this case, Bulgaria). So, How we Bulgarians allow equal opportunity for all of our ethnic groups?
• The Roma Problem: I will advantageously tap into the 3rd Reich dialogue that framed the discussion of another ethnic group: The Jewish Problem. I don't think I need to elaborate but frankly, and honestly, this discussion of ethnic issues cannot include the phrase "The Roma Problem". Not only does it draw too many parallels, its ignorant of the the first bullet--that it is not a ethnic problem but a community problem.
• When answering this question, all of the positive work on this issue is automatically framed within the "Roma Problem" and thereby belittles it. For instance, we have an active youth and we organize to help the community BECAUSE there is a Roma problem.

Strategies:

When asked this question, the best stragety is to not answer the question. Refocus the question in the response: As members of Bulgaria, we all need to strive to have equal opportunity and chances in our country for all ethnicities, including Roma. Another possible response is: There is no Roma problem because this is an issue of concern for Bulgaria and Bulgarians, not just Roma.

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Take Home: The way you ask a question makes a difference. So, think about it a little bit before you just throw it out there.