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.

How can we tell the difference between a gypsy and a traveller?

what are the links like between gypsy communities in different countries?

Not at all, I didn't particularly enjoy school although I was very bright

How has the internet and email etc affected your culture?

I can tell instantly, but I'm not sure people who aren't from one of the groups would be able to as we all just look British

Please can you explain what you mean by a traditional life, thank you

Trying my best to keep up, I didn't know there would be so many!

I always avoid the word "gypsy" because I've heard it is offensive- is that right?

I live in an area where a lot of traveller families have settled, and my daughters still have lovely friendships with the girls from the community that they met in primary school. People meet up at the local pub with their horses and carts for a race, and we get the occasional traditional wagon passing through. For me, I have positive associations with the community, because I like the people I know.

Would you say that travellers are more hesitant to seek healthcare or support when someone has care needs?

This is my favourite AMA ever

Do you get followed in shops by staff and security? I use to work in a well known high street store and our security guard always use to follow any gypsy's that came in as he thought they would steal (aware this is a huge stereotype)

Thank you for this thread!

do you do arranged marriages or is that not done

How did you meet your husband

do you have children. If so how many?

I had a friend when I was 14, she was a Romany gypsy from Poland and only ever wore skirts. She also said she was worried about being ‘stolen’ as in by a boy. By that she meant a boy she knew might take her whilst out and about and have sex with her. There was nothing she could do and that would mean she was married to him.

her parents were diligent about her outings as they weren’t that keen on this happening even though it was their culture. This did happen unfortunately and she left school abruptly. I never saw her again but got a call from her years later. She was calling me in hiding from the bathroom and confirmed she’d been taken and had 2 kids

I never was able to get in touch with her but it’s something that’s always played on my mind.

I appreciate this might be very different to what you know but I wondered if you knew a little about it/could shed some light on it?

Yes you have to register as homeschooled.
I meant if they wanted a secondary school education I would facilitate that at home somehow.

Don't some of the children wish they could go the whole way through school? It seems so unfair to stifle their opportunities like that.

Have your children had all their vaccinations?

What if they really wanted to complete school, would it still be a no?

That's interesting, in my daughter's case it's the opposite. They always invite DD over, but their daughter wouldn't be allowed to mine on her own.

How many children do you have?

"I meant if they wanted a secondary school education I would facilitate that at home somehow."

If you haven't completed school yourself how would that be possible?

Yes regularly followed, asked to pay before eating, refused entry and service. It's appalling.

This is awful. I am sorry

For me a traditional life is that the man works and the woman stays home

Why would you not want your child to stay in education, any specific reason or just because it isn’t the norm for you culturally? I get you mention sex education but it’s a small part of the curriculum so wonder why this would be such a barrier

I love your thread @GypsyAMA but I have to go now. I will hopefully be back tomorrow evening to catch up with it

Are there ways to tell the 2 communities apart? Or is it merely something you recognise yourselves?

I don't know which of the 2 groups arrived at my work last summer, smashed my security cameras on arrival then broke into my workshop. It would ne good to know for sure.

All caught on camera, but false plates on 2 vehicles and caravan so....

No but a lot of people do vaccinate their children

I would have to think about that when the time came. I know their dad would be very much against it though

sorry, one more before I go - do you personally vote? I think you don't live in a caravan, from what you have said

Do people in mobile caravans vote? How about benefits? Do people in mobile homes get benefits? Also how about post? how does that work if people move around?

Thank you

I will look back for the answers tomorrow