Divided Attitudes to Gypsies in Greece

Abstract

The status of Gypsies

1  in Greece – as in all other European countries where they reside – illustrates the remarkable durability of ethnic stereotypes. Throughout Europe, Gypsies have for centuries been generally despised and disliked, for reasons which are everywhere similar and seem to be of early origin: their popular association with sly thieving and vexatious begging, and their often squalid living conditions, combined with their distinctive appearance and strange customs. Perhaps their only mitigating features in the eyes of the majority population – and then only in some countries – are their colourful dancing and music.