As I said, I'm sure there's some basis to the Gypsy reputation. I wouldn't want to live around or be associated with people who live that way. BUT I'm not gonna hate everyone that comes from that ethnic background. In the states that would be like saying ALL blacks are drug dealers,murderers,pimps,con artists...whatever....because some are like that.
M2W brought up a goodpoint. Some northern Italians view southerners as nothing but criminals. I have an Italian friend who refuses to travel to Sicily or anywhere south of Rome with me because he sees the south that way. He's never been but repeatedly warns me when I go. He's never made a statement like it but I get the feeling he would react the same way as what we've seen here "A Sicilian got caught in the crossfire....so what.....all criminals anyways"!
I've travelled Sicily a good bit and the south of the boot a little. In fact, all the guys I work with are southerners and are a great group. Never had one bit of trouble and enjoy the south more so than the north.People are friendly and have never been robbed,raped or left for dead. If I had listened to things like that I would've missed out on some great experiences.
So for you guys south of Rome.....does it feel good knowing that some of your own country's citizens (and historically, your own government) view you the same way simply because of where your from? Are ya'll agreeable to that?
Oh I agree 100%. Northerners (a polentoni) don't speak so highly of Sicilians (terroni). One is a polenta eater and the other a terrorist. LOL
Italians are seen as well educated, high class, modern, opera-like, well spoken, they let things just be what they are. Sicilians are seen as guttural in language, stubborn, lacking in education and manners, not to mention the whole holding a grudge forever thing. That's the way the 2 are perceived. Especially the town where I am when I stay in Sicily. The most backward place you've ever been. When I stay in Sicily, you have to see the attitude they can get towards northerners vacationing there as well. Sicilians are a very extremely proud people and have an unbelievable chip on their shoulder. That will never change. BUT, all Italian CITIZENS have to deal with one another, just like in the States.
It's immigrants, (especially ones causing crimes against Italians) that Italians and Sicilians alike don't like. Causing crime in your own country is one thing, immigrants, such as the Romas coming in illegally and causing crime, that's another.
