The Truth About Rome's Roma Population
Living in squalor: 20% of children had bronchitis or pneumonia, 16% had dermatological infections including scabies.
We have all heard about Rome's gypsies who have a reputation of being such skilled thieves that they can even steal one's socks without ever touching the shoes. Both tourists and locals are weary of them, and will hold on to their belongings for dear life in their presence. Still, what do we really know about the gypsies? A recent article by the Lancet gives a very real (albeit perhaps overly sympatheic) glimpse of what life is like in Rome's gypsy camps, the plight of gypsy children, and the threats they now face by the Italian government.
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I find myself intrigued and fascinated by the different immigrant populations in Rome. There are those west africans selling sun glasses and handbags, the Bengladeshi, who gather in the doorways. and yes, the Roma. I once rode a subway car where a Roma family of musicians were playing for pocket change.