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gov135 · 07-08-2003, 08:57 AM

During several fourth of July celebrations, I came across some groups of American Gypsies. My girlfriend and I started talking about them as we passed, and its kinda stuck in my head since then. I've been spending some free time doing some research on them since.

In Eastern Ohio it's not difficult to come across gypsies. One of the larger groups is centered in Western Pennsylvania.

There are an estimated one million gypsies in America. In doing some research I've learned how tightly bound to one another they are. Many are not educated past elementary school, many others do not read or write. Many groups forbide marriage outside of the gypsy population. Gypsy's often have trades passed from family member to family member. Somewhat interestingly, a newer common trade has become selling used cars. Many gypsies appear to be American Indian in flesh tone.

They are certainly the "forgotten" victims of the Holocaust. Alongside the Jewish population, gypsies were hunted and killed in concentration camps throughout Europe.

Noone knows too much about their everyday lives, because they are so reluctant to discuss themselves with outsiders. They live on the fringe of society. Much of the literature you can find on American Gypsies is written by law enforcement - concerning those families whose occupations revolve around running cons (often housing and construction cons).

I've found alot of what I have read to be fascinating - whole gypsy cultures existing outside of the mainstream, unknown to much of the population. An ability to pull cons and grifts, and an equal ability to live under the radar. My question is: Have you had any experiences with gypsies (business dealings, went to school with one, etc.)? Can you recommend a particular book - particularly on American gypsies? Were you even aware these groups existed in America?

07-08-2003, 08:57 AM	#1 (permalink)
gov135 Junkie Location: Midwest	American Gypsies During several fourth of July celebrations, I came across some groups of American Gypsies. My girlfriend and I started talking about them as we passed, and its kinda stuck in my head since then. I've been spending some free time doing some research on them since. In Eastern Ohio it's not difficult to come across gypsies. One of the larger groups is centered in Western Pennsylvania. There are an estimated one million gypsies in America. In doing some research I've learned how tightly bound to one another they are. Many are not educated past elementary school, many others do not read or write. Many groups forbide marriage outside of the gypsy population. Gypsy's often have trades passed from family member to family member. Somewhat interestingly, a newer common trade has become selling used cars. Many gypsies appear to be American Indian in flesh tone. They are certainly the "forgotten" victims of the Holocaust. Alongside the Jewish population, gypsies were hunted and killed in concentration camps throughout Europe. Noone knows too much about their everyday lives, because they are so reluctant to discuss themselves with outsiders. They live on the fringe of society. Much of the literature you can find on American Gypsies is written by law enforcement - concerning those families whose occupations revolve around running cons (often housing and construction cons). I've found alot of what I have read to be fascinating - whole gypsy cultures existing outside of the mainstream, unknown to much of the population. An ability to pull cons and grifts, and an equal ability to live under the radar. My question is: Have you had any experiences with gypsies (business dealings, went to school with one, etc.)? Can you recommend a particular book - particularly on American gypsies? Were you even aware these groups existed in America?