I'm just an average gypsy AMA

[GypsyAMA]

I've noticed a lot of hatred towards gypsies on here so I thought I'd answer any questions anyone may have that could help you to understand my culture more. You might still disagree with many aspects, but at least you'll be coming from facts and not stereotypes.

Please can you explain how we know which is which? sorry if that is a rude question

Some people definitely don't allow play dates but I think it's wrong for them to accept if they won't reciprocate

Do you really think that you can complain about negative stereotypes when a lot of those stereotypes are admittedly rooted in reality (girls not having an education, etc) And how do you feel about the poor way animals are treated in Gypsy communities a lot of the time?

If you aren't educated do you work? Do the men work? What do they do? Is your home immaculate? I'm not very educated on your way of life, I feel very ignorant!

Yes English is my first language but we have a cultural language for about 50% of words

I dont think animals are treated badly, in general. We have a lot of gypsies around us, and I have seen the men gaze lovingly at their horses with their hands tangled in the manes

what is the language called, please. Can you tell us how to say hello?

If they wanted higher education I'd be very supportive but I wouldn't allow it in a school setting.

If someone wanted to be a doctor for example how would that work? You would homeschool them through a-levels?

Do any dc In your community get an education that allows them to be doctors, lawyers etc, particularly girls?

I worked before I was married and was very successful.
Its usually a case of the women staying home and the men working but lots of women work or have their own business selling things etc.
I try to keep my home immaculate but of course nobody can be perfect 24/7!

please can you tell us in what way your life is different to ours?

Do you know about the demographics in your communities? Are your numbers growing, shrinking, staying about the same?

I am bemused by girls being pulled out of education over sex Ed. It's a tiny part of what is taught. And knowledge is power. How do they learn properly about sexual health & consent etc? Surely it's better to understand the body.
I guess it's the lack of interest in schooling over all.
I've worked with traveller families and a lot can't read & write,

I think treating animals badly is a stereotype, I don't know anyone who would abuse an animal but I know plenty who dote on theirs.
Maybe it's because we wouldn't have them living inside that people disagree with

Are you glad you are a gypsy? What's the best thing about it? Is there anything you don't like?

My observation is that gypsies are reluctant to engage with people or institutions outside of their community - why is this?

on the education point, what are the legal ramifications in England of pulling your kids out of school at 12? Do you have to register them as home school and then just don't because? In what way would you support them to go into further education if they've had no schooling between 12 and 18 so no exams?

I don't know if it's the official name but I know it as romanous, there isn't a word for hello

I know a very well off Gypsy family, they 100% value their girl’s education!! They have them in our local private school. Yes culturally they are gypsies but they are very focussed on their girls. They do however keep themselves to themselves but my kids have been to their birthday parties but it was just school kids. No family, maybe they had a separate family event.

I've known of a couple to go on to jobs like that but it's extremely rare. I would prefer mine to live a traditional life but I would allow them to make their own decisions

Do you feel that there is any part of education that you missed out on that you wish you hadn't?

What successful job did you have and as you didn't finish school, did you teach yourself to read, write and punctuate so well?

Oh and I know the language is very close to Hindi lots of similar words! As the Romany are originally from India. Hope I have that right OP!

Because we face an absolutely appalling amount of prejudice and hostility

I'm fascinated by your comment on language. Can you give us a few examples?

What is the relationship like between your community and the police?