jayeff

There are about 50,000 gypsies in England and many more across Europe. They have been marginalized and often brutally treated for more than 500 years and large numbers live in poverty as a result: hence their mistrust of mainstream culture. The image of gypsies as feckless and dishonest is entirely contrived and has nothing at all to do with their history. During the 19th century there were movements in most European countries to stir up peasant-based nationalism and that was done in part by praising the lifestyle and values of the peasantry. At the same time, the contrary values of gypsies were demonized and that is the reputation which has followed them since.