Hiding to nothing

Declaring the racial identity of their children is a big deal for Gypsy and Traveller parents who fear racial bullying. But could declaring who we are be the best way of making all schools safe places for our children, wonders Jake Bowers

They like to pretend it’s a thing of the past, but most Gypsy and Traveller children will tell you it isn’t. The racist bullying of Gypsy and Traveller children by pupils and teachers wrecks lives and guarantees a ruined education. From the taunts of “Pikey” or “Gyppo”, to being physically attacked, every family has stories of how schools are places were Gypsy kids have learnt to hide their identity or physically defend it.

Little wonder then that Gypsy and Traveller children have the lowest rates of attendance and achievement of any ethnic group in British schools. Parents who insist on school often don’t declare the identity of their kids to protect them from harm. But could we be actually making it worse for them by doing so?

Earlier this week, I took my little girl to nursery for the first time. Nell loves every minute of it. On the way out, they asked me to fill in a form which records her racial background. I expected it not to be there, but there in big bold letters was “Gypsy/Roma” with a box to tick next to it. As my pen hovered I considered whether I was about to let my pride condemn her to the torture of being bullied because of who she is.

There’s not a child that hasn’t wondered what it is like to be invisible, but most Gypsy and Traveller kids can tell you exactly what a cloak of secrecy feels like. It allows you to keep your head down and pass by unnoticed. It’s something we are taught as children and practice as adults. Hiding comes as second nature to a people that have been chased and persecuted for 500 years. “Pukker nixies” (say nothing) the old ones said in Romany, and I was about to follow their advice.


A display of cultural pride in Bedfordshire
But then I remembered the countless Gypsy kids I’ve met over the past year standing proudly by displays they’ve made in schools in connection with the first Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. I remember one teenager in particular swelling with pride beside the fantastic display he’d made in Bedfordshire. The teachers never thought he had it in him, but when finally released, his pride filled an entire wall with colour. The elders teach you wisdom, and the young ones teach you hope, so I ticked the box and a little Gypsies girl’s cloak of secrecy was hung on its hook.

I realised that invisibility is a blessing, but can also be a curse. All the while we remain hidden, we allow ourselves to ignored, forgotten and not catered for. By hiding the identity of our children we allow schools to remain places of ignorance not learning. In 2011, that same box will be printed on census forms across Britain and every Gypsy and Traveller will face the same dilemma. Many will listen to the elders over the youth and remain hidden, but a fair few will take that leap into the light.