So what's the difference? Or is there one? Aren't
gypsies migratory? Isn't migrant the politically correct word
for gypsy?
Truth is, there certainly is a difference between that old image of a European gypsy with flashing dark eyes that travels around in a colorfully painted wagon drawn by a horse and say, your average US Army non-com. Yes there certainly is a difference.
The sargeant would hesitate to claim to be either a gypsy or a migrant.
Yet, there are European gypsies whose forefathers may fit the stereotype
of a gypsy as it is presented here but have lived their entire lives in
one house. And in fact, our sargeant may or may not be descended
from such, but a migrant he certainly is.
There are many wonderful sites on the world wide web that cater to
and express Gypsy culture. Check 'em out!
These include archaeological site workers, missionaries, military,
construction, fishing, forestry and agricultural workers. While
the US government does officially recognize some of these groups as an
actual class of people under certain migrant laws, not everyone who meets
the definition is included. Very specifically, the US military
and construction families are left out of the official designation.
Nevertheless, military and construction families experience many of the
same advantages and disadvantages of the migrant lifestyle, plus some uniquely
their own.
For more about migratory workers, Gypsys and their lives you
can visit the following sites. Be sure to bookmark Gypsy Hollow NOW
so you can find your way back!
United for Inter Cultural Action This is a European group for European migrants and gypsies.
Migrants
and Refugees this is a list of UN resources
The Lie of the Land a geographer assesses the cost of the beautiful Californa terrain in human terms. California is certainly one of the leading American States to directly benefit from migratory workers.
Gypsy
Collections at the University of Liverpool a list of links of
British sources for Romany Gypsys
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