Quote:
Originally Posted by flylock shox
These comments all kind of reflect where I'm at: I know they have a history of persecution and a large number live in poverty in Europe, but other than that... who are they, why are they in this situation, and what's likely going to happen to them?
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As far as I know they are Gypsies, "travellers". They had no particular country they called their home and wandered around Europe. Obviously in today's times the descendants of those people wouldn't have a lot of money, rights, citizenship, documentation, etc and use whatever means they can to get by. They seem to be reviled in many countries in Europe. I remember seeing a "No Travellers" sign in a British Pub when I was young and asked my parents if we were allowed to go in.
I spent about a month and a half doing a field school in Prague and Roma were a big issue there. I never ran into them myself but I have heard of large numbers of kids harassing tourists.
But I'm sure you can find better info on the web if you look. If that guy at the bus stop was not lying then there must be some websites for that organization that is trying to defend Roma rights in the Czech Republic.
Philip Pullman's description of the boat people in the Dark Materials series struck me as possibly being inspired by Gypsies/Roma.