Large numbers of Roma then left Rumania and relocated themselves all over Europe, in North, Central and South America and elsewhere. They are referred to as Vlach Roma or Wallachian Roma. The words Roma and Romani have no connection with Rumania, and Roma are not Rumanian by origin. Roma are colourful, romantic people who lead lives of carefree abandon. It has no basis in reality.
All cultures have romantic and colourful aspects when exploited by artists as vehicles of escapism.
Roma choose to live as parasites and do not want to become useful members of society. It is historical hatred of Roma by the general populations and persecution by skinheads and neo-Nazis that is preventing this. In other countries, Roma also work and contribute to society. The RCAC Web Site is maintained by Ronald Lee and Nina Bottaccini. This page was last updated July 1999.