We think that Britain is so advanced and civilised and often tut, shaking our heads at the atrocities committed by 'less civilised' societies than our own. But yet we ignore Britain's blatant disregard for Travellers.
If you have any doubts - how about these example statements:
"Black family evicted - Not welcome here say locals"
"We don't want Gays in our village"
"Indian wedding reception cancelled when discovered they were Indian"
"Lesbians should go back from where they came from!"
"Disabled are thieves and scum"
Simply replace the red word with 'Gypsy'. It becomes an immediately acceptable statement! Not even questioned!
Why is this? Surely if we are as educated and as advanced as we believe, then why on earth are we perpetuating this racism. Is it because they are Caucasian that we fool ourselves into thinking we're not racist? Or do we think of reasons to continue our witch hunt?
I am originally from Dorset so have grown up with reports of Travellers pitching up on peoples land. The fear it created was unbelievable. Growing up I heard a lot of accusations thrown at the community, such as - They leave a mess! They steal things! They let their dogs poo everywhere! Mmmm... First of all, there is not a refuse collection on Travellers sites! A big problem!
Plus how many of you out there throw your can of coke, fag butt, crisp packet etc on the ground? How many school kids dabble in shop lifting! Adults claiming expenses that are not rightfully theirs! Dodging Tax! Claiming benefits while working! Pocketing cash-in-hand work! Eating grapes around the supermarket! Walking around my house it is constant poo jumping! It is like playing hopscotch! These are things our whole society are guilty of. There are also a lot of us that NEVER thrown rubbish, steal or leave poo on the floor. Just in every community in the whole world!
"But it is some ones land!" cry the die-hard right-wings! If the land isn't being used, what harm is it doing?? Seriously! What harm? And don't forget, all land in this country has at some point in history been stolen or 'acquired' from someone by someone! What made it theirs to begin with?
So what are the real reasons!? As always, we are scared of what we do not know, do not understand and cannot control. Acceptance is the only word that will truly unite. Until then we are all just animals marking our territory.
