“dan2001” :
Vienna, Austria
You cannot blame everything on the Gypsies - many of them are indeed into theft, pick-pocketing, prostitution and begging, but they are not muggers. Often they are forced into this evil circle of crime, they are the victims of their own cruel leaders. A very beautiful and tragic film by Emir Kusturica, titled 'Time of the Gypsies' (1988), tells the story of a Roma (Gypsy) boy who ends up in Rome. The film has been made into a musical play and performed at the Notre Dame in Paris.
A French film by Tony Gatlif, called 'Latcho Drom' (1993), tells of the Gypsy exodus through music, starting from India, through Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and all the way to France and Spain.
“lynnb48”:
Sydney, Australia — Truly, I never know what to do.
On one hand I am warned by hotels that they are dropped at the door by Mercedes cars to beg and actually get a lot of money per day. I sometimes feel targeted on trains by Romanys who stand too close. I have had other passengers warn me publicly. I have also seen mothers bed down in the street at night under cardboard, with the kids. I have seen families with children who should be in school begging in the markets, children asleep in the middle of the day lying on cardboard, maybe in with sleeping dogs. Some people say they are wealthy from begging and stealing. Others say they are the vulnerable poor. Others still say that earnings are taken by the men and the women are forced into begging, stealing etc.
I am reluctant to give money. I am reluctant to show where I keep my money. But I am a compassionate person and would like to help if help is really needed.
Truly, I never know what to do.
As a traveler myself, I have some sympathy for them and all nomadic peoples who cannot or do not want to fit in this society.