Ever since the first Roma came to Sweden in the 16th century, this minority has categorically been discriminated and marginalized by the majority society. In order to solve the problems of Roma otherness and segregation, countless political actions have been taken; historically through various types of assimilation measures and more recently a striking example is the 20-year national strategy for Roma inclusion, initiated in 2012. The discourse surrounding this latest initiative is characterised by concepts such as influence and participation regarding the Roma minority. Whereas majority society representatives assert that the Roma are being directly involved in designing and implementing the strategy, Roma representatives and activists perceive their rights to participation circumscribed at all levels. This disparity in views constitutes main focus of this paper and the overall aim is to consider factors reproducing this gap. An additional concern, however, is the anthropologist’s position. In their efforts to focus relevant societal problems, such as the glaring discrepancy described above, the commitment and responsibility of ”the dedicated anthropologists” constitute pressing issues. Not least in this case, which involves a minority group whose vulnerable position in society is undeniable, yet whose reluctance – and even fear – regarding researchers, experts, and others wanting to speak for them, is openly articulated.