gypsies and illiteracy

[glenis]

i don't wish to appear racist so forgive me if this question comes over as such, but why do gypsies seem to take a pride in saying " i can't read or write "

[buchanan]

Hi Glenis - if you are concerned about sounding racist, it might be worth pausing to consider whether such sweeping generalising / stereotyping like this is a good idea. 

[rod]

If this is true they will not answer your question also depends on the Gypsy. I might use the same excuse when threatened with a parking ticket!

[ravi.ramdas.]

i teech em engrlish

[silly moo]

I wasn't aware that they did.
But people who don't get the chance of an education generally don't read & write that well.
If they still manage to function in the modern world they maybe have something to be a bit proud of - natural intelligence.
A friend of mine teaches children of travellers (romany and others) and it's a pity there are not more opportunities for travelling children.

[pjm007]

They are good at tarmacing your drive or trying to sell you pegs !

[Artful]

I don't think they "take pride" in sating that - when and if they do - but I have always felt chuffed in a shop when someone asks for help to find something because they can't read. It is a very brave admission in our times and if they have asked me they must have felt I would treat them with respect.

[Artful]

Sorry, "'take pride' in saying that". I am having problems 'writing' too!

[silly moo]

Sorry I didn't put that well. I didn't mean that they DID take pride in not being able to read & write, just that maybe they COULDtake pride in adapting without the benefits the rest of us have had.