Post by Eagle on Aug 19, 2007 18:58:56 GMT -5
David & mango,
It wasn't my intention to imply that all Gypsies (or whatever term is "politically correct") are inherently evil. I'm sure there are good people within that group. Unfortunately most North Americans travelling in Europe seem to encounter only those that are involved in illegal activities and petty thievery. The term "mea culpa" might also apply to the behaviour of those that are causing the problems, as they are primarily the reason behind the reputation of the group as a whole.
I simply wanted to make prospective travellers (especially those going to Europe for the first time) aware of a very real possibility that they might be victimized, especially by one distinctive group; having knowledge of the situation will hopefully prevent any problems. I base my assessment primariily on my own experiences, but also from warnings in various Guidebooks and the Net, and warnings from numerous people (including law enforcement officers and people in the tourist industry) in various countries that I've visited. I highly doubt that all of these sources are exaggerating the problem.
So far all of my experiences with that particular group have been "negative". Due to the frequency of the incidents on my last trip it was more than an annoyance, and definitely detracted somewhat from my enjoyment of my travels. I generally provide fairly accurate and balanced views, so be assured that if I encounter any "nice" Gypsies, that will be mentioned in my comments also.
Cheers!
i'm not entirely comfortable with the implication that "Gypsies" are genetically evil people
I find these comments about gypsies offensive
It wasn't my intention to imply that all Gypsies (or whatever term is "politically correct") are inherently evil. I'm sure there are good people within that group. Unfortunately most North Americans travelling in Europe seem to encounter only those that are involved in illegal activities and petty thievery. The term "mea culpa" might also apply to the behaviour of those that are causing the problems, as they are primarily the reason behind the reputation of the group as a whole.
I simply wanted to make prospective travellers (especially those going to Europe for the first time) aware of a very real possibility that they might be victimized, especially by one distinctive group; having knowledge of the situation will hopefully prevent any problems. I base my assessment primariily on my own experiences, but also from warnings in various Guidebooks and the Net, and warnings from numerous people (including law enforcement officers and people in the tourist industry) in various countries that I've visited. I highly doubt that all of these sources are exaggerating the problem.
So far all of my experiences with that particular group have been "negative". Due to the frequency of the incidents on my last trip it was more than an annoyance, and definitely detracted somewhat from my enjoyment of my travels. I generally provide fairly accurate and balanced views, so be assured that if I encounter any "nice" Gypsies, that will be mentioned in my comments also.
Cheers!
) often in suburbs or the country. I'm sure it's different everywhere. But yes, the gypsies we see in France are pointed out a bit in travel guides. Regardless, I never really meant to lump them in a stereotype or generalize them, sorry if that was the case.