The Irish Travelers
are the largest minority in Ireland. Historically
they are
a nomadic people who have been part of
Irish society for centuries. They
worked with metal,
hence they earned the name "Tinkers." Today
however, things have changed. The Travelers
do not move around as much as they used
to. Today they are trying to come into
the mainstream,
while still retaining their identity as
a community.
One
of the reasons they are not as nomadic
these days is education. Traveler communities
may stay settled for nine months, during
which their children go to school. During
vacation time they take to the roads again;
not unlike a "normal, settled" family
going on vacation. However, as Joyce likes
to point being nomadic is only an element
of their culture.
"Our cultural values and priorities
are different from that of the settled
Irish Catholic Community even though we
share the same country and religion," says
Joyce. Family is very important to the
Travelers. Many times they move to meet
up with family in another part of the country.
Their
jobs may change from week to week. For
centuries their ancestors moved around
Ireland working where they were able to
find employment. When it ran out they moved
on. Communities used to appreciate the
Travelers coming. Now they do not, Joyce
says. "They loath travelers when they
come in. They have a closed door policy
towards them."
Joyce says that many Travelers put up
with discrimination in order to give their
children an education. She has been settled
in Dublin for the past 15 years for the
sake of her three children although she
feels that the Irish education system is
flawed and unable to cater to the special
needs of Traveler children.
Joyce
claims that the culture, history and
issues of the Traveler community are
ignored in Irish schools. She admits that
things have improved since the days when
she used to go to school. "We were
segregated in school, brought down and
washed because we were Travelers. We were
given a different curriculum because we
were not considered to have the same intellect
of the settled children," Joyce says
of her childhood.
Her most prominent childhood memory of
discrimination was when she was in school.
A new African girl (she does not remember
from which country) came into their class.
She was made to talk about her culture.
Despite her criticisms, Joyce is hopeful
for the future. She feels that discrimination
has lessened through the years even though
others may not share her sentiments.
The ITM is also fighting for the rights
of other minorities in Ireland who are
being discriminated against. According
to Joyce racism has always been a prominent
problem in Irish society and her organization
is striving to have their voices heard.
