Recently (just this past year) through some genealogical sleuthing I have learned that one of my Transylvanian great grandmother's (Maria) was a Roma aka of Gypsy origin. I was actually a bit shocked because it seems that this was covered up to a degree.

I had always known that Gypsy people were looked down upon in Europe, but I needed to learn more about them, and why other Europeans held such a strong negative attitude towards them. I picked up a copy of David Crowe's book A History Of The Gypsies of Eastern Europe which to date is the definitive resource on the subject that I could find, and learned a lot about the plight of these people....possibly (1/8th at least) my own people.

Discrimination, and hatred towards Gypsies is very prevalent in Hungary, and Romania, it is nothing new, but quite shocking considering this is the 21st century not the 17th for christ sakes! We are supposed to be far more enlightened, and culturally tolerant than we were 300 years ago!

In a recent Romanian concert Madonna was booed by her own fans for speaking out against violence, and prejudice towards Gypsy people. Good on Madonna! Hopefully at least some of her fans took the time to consider what she was saying.

After reading the book, and looking into recent news items on Gypsies in Europe I now have little doubt why my Great Grandmother's heritage was mostly covered up, and it is very sad indeed.

Gypsies as a whole have had a troubled existence, but if we look to history, and attitudes towards them we can see why this current state of affairs is the case, and what has led up to it.

I am no expert, but I hope that perhaps with tolerance, and some understanding the problems that face Gypsy people across Europe such as crime, including child crime, higher rates of alcoholism, lack of education, lack of decent employment, can begin to be overcome. At least this is what I hope for as I cannot stand to see any one group of human beings singled out, and targeted through hatred and prejudice.