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Originally Posted by flylock shox
The comments so far are generally in line with what I heard during my travels in Europe. But it's interesting because there seems to be consistency in the anecdotal experiences people share about Roma, and there is clearly a stereotype that - although it is clearly very pejorative - appears to have been widely sanctioned (even state-sanctioned).
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The anecdotes are only valid for those Roma that are in that group of so called gypsies (from what I understand, it is very difficult to break out of that lifestyle). There certainly seems to be a problem with the gypsies, citizens of many nations seriously want to kick them out, or worse.
Quote:
Originally Posted by flylock shox
There are obvious parallels with the historical Jewish experience in Europe too, although it's clear there are vast differences between the two groups. I suppose there are parallels between the Roma and other marginalized groups too - I've heard their situation likened to a social apartheid. And of course, there's the whole chicken-egg/persecuted-impoverished angle that seems to divide politicians and human rights advocates.
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The Jews were major contributors to whatever nation they were in, so I don't see a parallel (Jews were disliked based on lies or other forms of hate). The distaste for gypsies is based on perceived lifestyle choices that often conflict with local laws and customs. This is a harsh reality of the crime associated with gypsies. I am not sure how many Roma live that lifestyle that are not criminals or that live a more regional lifestyle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by flylock shox
I have a hard time believing that any ethnic group, especially one as large as the Roma (10 million in Europe), could have a culture that is as uniform and unlikeable as theirs is so widely believed to be.
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It is getting pretty bad. I think there are towns that built walls (similar to Israel) to keep villages of gypsies out. I will have to look that up... It seems to be a pretty nasty situation that as your posts reminds us, is largely hidden from view.