On air: Roma - oppressed minority or unwelcome visitors?
| 18:00 UK time, Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Ìý
The EU has called France's decision to deport Roma migrants a "disgrace". The move has sparked international outrage.
But is France right to take targeted action against illegal Roma migrants who they believe have caused social problems and who are perceived by many French citizens to be taking unfair advantage of their country?
KIVPossum commenting on certainly thinks so:
"Of course not all Roma are theives. A high percentage are 'opportunists'. Most of our stores will only allow one Roma in at a time and many have a security guard follow them while they are shopping. The Roma come in, set up camp in a public park or on private property, tie in to the electric grid, hook up to a fire hydrant or some public water source, throw trash around. "
Ìý
Tom Gallagher writing for also suggests that
"It is still unfashionable to assert that increasingly, the problems the Roma face are self-inflicted... Many of the Roma's advocates block out the fact that in much of the Roma world, power lies with dominant males intent on subordinating vulnerable community members. It is intriguing how the plight of Roma women and girls, who too often end up as sexual merchandise, has moved so few feminists in the West."
How much do we really know about the Roma culture?
But Reding asserts that France has by targeting a "certain group on the basis of nationality, race or ethnic origin". The systematic expulsion of Roma immigrants, albeit voluntarily and on a case-by-case basis has been made a priority in French immigration policy.
Are you one of the growing number of voices who are expressing sympathy and support for the French government? Or is there no justification for such a policy that singles out one specific group of people?
