So my quiet town had a visit from our traveller 'friends' this week and

[AndThatsWhatIThinkOfYou]

They wonder why people are so against them setting up camp where ever they please.

They arrived last Wednesday on a football field with a park and caused a whole load of trouble, for example, going to the petrol station handing over euros, being told they won't accept euros as payment, they simple got in their vans and drove of.

Made a visit to our local Sainsburys got caught shoplifting, were locked in until police were called.

Local children playing on park got beaten up with sticks by the traveller children.

And to top it all of 3 vans pulling up outside a local pub, very busy, dropping their trousers and all three disgusting men casually took a shit one by one on the pub doorstep. Got in there vans and drove of.

Then left the football field and park in an absolute mess. Rubbish everywhere.

Each incident police were called but nothing has been done.

So AIBU to wonder why travellers think this behavior is acceptable? and why can't anything be done to stop it?

Is there any reason why "travellers" as a so-called ethnic group have to live a traveller lifestyle? What reasons are there for it being viable in the year 2013?

amessagetoyouYoni - what is your job?

I know, Amessagetoyoni. Some depressing displays of prejudice on here

and? why did you start this thread?

Oh, so that people would agree with you that travellers are cunts

their behaviour mings, but so does starting a RACIST thread

byeeee

Amessage and Skyler to be frank, you can call me all the prejudices and bigots you like, I really don't care, because I know I am not. I personally think it is closed minded and ridiculous to absolutely ignore or deny what so many of people have experienced for fear of being called a bigot or prejudiced, or defend such vile behaviour for the same reason.

Is there any reason Muslims have to fast, wear headscarves and go to mosque? What reasons are there for it being viable in the year 2013?

That won't happen. So, do people who pay taxes have more human rights? People who start griping about their taxes as though that gives them the right to say who should be left to starve and struggle, that Peez me off.

I agree that there are far fewer anti-social behaviour issues with groups of travellers on permanent sites. The problem is there is a massive culture of not on my doorstep! I read numerous newspaper articles, blogs over the years about the council trying to set up permanent sites in out county, every time the locals have appealed against them and they ultimately have had planning denied. Therefore you have large groups taking over car parks and play areas. If the permanent sites weren't objected to, then these people could set up camp there and would cause far less hassle. It is really frustrating. Traveller do have to have somewhere to live, due to complaints and planning appeals they are not able to access legal sites, so where are they supposed to go?

As a child I had a friend at school that was from a traveller family, I have also taught children from the travelling community and my DS had a friend who was one (DS never knew he was). All of the travellers I came into contact were actually lovely and the parents that I had contact with as a teacher were very respectful and tried to work with the school. However due to lack of skills themselves and lack of confidence they did struggle, especially with regular attendance, but no more so than many children from disadvantaged homes (non traveller).

I understand the "fear of travellers" that seems to be wide spread as the press makes a huge deal of any incident including them, we never hear any good news stories do we? However in my professional and personal experience the sorts of incidents that are occurring within traveller communities are no different to those happening in many disadvantaged areas (except the caravans) the length and breadth of the country's council estates. (And no that's not a dig at ALL people who live on council estates, the same as not ALL travellers act in an anti-social way!)

I work in education - would rather not say what my exact role is.

I work mainly with Irish Travellers and some Roma. The vast majority are just normal people, going about their normal business, albeit within the framework of a very different culture which is difficult to reconcile with modern western living.

I agree that shitting in a doorstep is vile. I think most Travellers would agree, too.

I see no need for making these sweeping, poisonous statements about an entire ethnic group. MNHQ - why do you allow it?

why does the race card get pulled at every opportunity ?

I'd love to be a traveller, instead of the slave that I am.
I think a lot of the prejudice stems from jealousy.

I've know some travellers, they were nice, maybe a bit on the wild side, but we can't all be the same, what a boring old world that would be.

Golden, if you hold negative views of all travellers based on the actions of those you have come into contact with, I'm afraid that is prejudiced.

I grew up in Ireland and hand on heart I've never been robbed or name-called or assaulted or upset by a traveller. I have been robbed, flashed at, gazumped (!) and offended by various settled people over the years. I know it's statistically more likely of course but that is MY truth!

I remember bridget who used to come to my door in 1979 and ask for my mammy, then she'd ask my mammy for a pint of milk for the babby. my mum would always give her milk and bread and say don't come back for a week now bridget! They were not threatening to us. So that is my experience.

Oh and for what it is worth, there is one permanent traveller site within my area, and there is little to no trouble from that group (no more than any other housing estate), and I have nothing against them whatsoever. It is the transient groups who have always caused the problems, and so it is those groups who are generally unwelcome.

blueemerald the 'muslims wearing headscarves' comment is just silly. Muslims wearing headscarves / fasting / going to the mosque has no impact on anyone but themselves. Travellers shitting all over a playing field affects everyone who uses it.

amessagetoyouYoni - is it fair to say that you have a vested interest?

If their culture is "difficult to reconcile with modern western living", isn't the problem with their culture, and not other people? Are they still going to have the same culture in another 100 years? Cultures have to change to adapt with the way the world changes. "Settled" people don't live they did 50 or 100 years ago, because if we did, we'd get left behind.

If you werent bigoted, you wouldnt stereotype. Simple as that, really. You would maintain an objective view, looking at the wider group as a whole, not basing your opinions on YOUR negative experiences or hearsay from others.

Remember the Jews? Bloody tight fisted greedy fuckers werent they? Yeah...that attitude got Europe far!

I cant be arsed with it, to be honest. If you want to build bridges with the Travelling community, get your point across to them and begin some sort of dialogue - do something positive and constructive towards that, rather than inciting racial hatred on an anonymous forum. Really!

I have no vested interest, other than an interest in objecting to bigots@Tabitha. Good day to you :-)

Could you change that to Jewish culture or Muslim culture and still think it a good viewpoint?

And how do you propose we get the message across that the abusive threatening behavior is not acceptable?

You'd probably get told to 'feck of' or perhaps get beaten up.