Negative attitudes towards the Roma can be found in all social classes and groups. But it is not that the majority sees the Roma as 'bad', but that it is thought they are unable to integrate. Most Hungarians agree with the statement that "there are good gypsies, but most are not." Not only is irregular employment the only way for most members of the Roma underclass to survive, but casual work is the only, hopeless, means they have of escaping from a life without prospects.

It is also noticeable that Roma receive far less welfare support than they should on the basis of the size of their population. It is also clear that though continuous dependence on uncertain employment afflicts many social groups, the situation of the Roma is getting worse.

It is not just poverty, but the exclusion that goes with it that has pushed the Roma to the margins of society. And since it has become clear that the majority has no desire to give jobs to Roma, the minority must live in an environment where nobody works, where education is a pointless chore.

Despite superficial changes, an indifferent society is forgetting what little it ever new about the Roma, their families, and their identity.

Ever fewer people talk about what happened in this or that Roma family. Conversation is not about Mr X or Mr Y but always about "the Roma." Empathy and sympathy for the Roma has simply disappeared.

T. ISTVÁN KERÉKGYÁRTÓ