THE REAL TRUTH
I’m a gypsy and I’m fed up of all the stereotypes, here are the facts – & the biggest lie is that we ‘steal everything’
The woman opened up about everything from education to home life
A GYPSY who was so fed up of the common stereotypes she receives about her culture has decided to put the record straight once and for all.
The anonymous woman took to Mumsnet and explained how she'd noticed a lot of assumptions about the gypsy community online, so opened up a Q&A session so she could answer any questions people had.
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In the post, she penned: "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."
It wasn't long before she was flooded with questions from intrigued social media users, with the proud gypsy sharing an honest insight into her day-to-day life.
One person wanted to know how much the men are involved in child-rearing, before asking if it's mainly women who take that role, and whether you can get divorced.
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"Men do basically none of the child rearing in majority of families," the gypsy replied.
The biggest lie is that we steal everything
Mumsnet user
"Yes you definitely can get divorced although I think our divorce rate is a lot lower."
And when asked what the biggest lie that the general public believes about the gypsy way of life, she responded: "The biggest lie is that we steal everything."
Meanwhile, a further questioned whether she gets followed in shops by staff and security.
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"Yes regularly followed, asked to pay before eating, refused entry and service. It's appalling," the woman revealed.
Another social forum user explained how she often acts as a lawyer for gypsy families and has noticed how they sometimes have difficulty in getting people to act for them.
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"I think one thing people worry about is that a group of gypsies might move onto a piece of land and leave a lot of rubbish and human waste when they leave," she added.
In response, the anonymous gypsy replied: "There are some people that leave mess, but they are a very small minority.
"The vast majority of gypsies don't even live on the road anymore as that way of life has been made so difficult these days."
Elsewhere, several of the other questions revolved around education, with one asking why the gypsy culture doesn't value girls' education.
However, the gypsy pointed out: "We don't really value education for girls or boys.
"But girls usually leave sooner because schools start to teach about sex etc. Majority don't complete high school, I didn't."
On the same topic, one person asked what can be done about children disappearing from education at around 12.
She commented: "It doesn't seem fair, it seems like those children are losing the option to consider other ways of life, because they are brought up to continue in their parents' lifestyle - what are your thoughts on this?"
Sharing her views on the matter, the gypsy informed her: "I honestly don't think there's anything you can do.
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"Some kids do choose to stay in school and I think that's great, but I wouldn't allow mine to.
"If they wanted higher education I'd be very supportive but I wouldn't allow it in a school setting."