[DemolitionRed]

Roma originated in Northern India, something like a thousand years ago. The language they speak is Romani/y which is basically a dialect of the Hindu language. When a gypsy talks about himself he will call himself 'Roma' but when he talks about a group of gypsies he will call them 'Romani/y'.

My thoughts are...gypsies, whether they be Irish Tinkers or Romani's can be problematic here in the UK. Most of them were born here, though we do have Romani's coming in from other parts of Europe and Tinkers coming over from Ireland.

Many Romani's are hard working, honest and law abiding citizens but we never hear about the proud Romani's, just the trouble makers. In the UK it feels as though the Romani trouble makers are a law unto themselves. Police often refuse to venture into camps or even get involved when they hear the word 'gypsy'.

In France, (not so much the big cities) the Romani's are better tolerated by the general population as a travelling work force. People don't fear them, in fact they are a well respected people. They are encouraged to work, even those in the camps give basket weaving lessons and teach the public about traditional gypsy ways. If they cause any problem the gendarme come down on them like a ton of bricks.