This Sunday there will be a march held against Racism at Moszkva Ter (Moscow Square): Nepszabadsag Online: Vasarnap tuntetes a rasszizmus es kozony ellen. This is welcome news as one of the most striking features of Central Europe is the extent to which old dividing lines are still festering.
Over the last decade Hungary has made a good deal of progress in dealing with racism, but there is still a long way to go. If you are in the fortunate position of buying an apartment in Budapest, you will be cheerfully told that there are no Gypsies nearby.
One of my first English lessons (almost 15 years ago!), when I was retraining the ex-Russian teachers, was on gypsies, but I had no idea what I was dealing with. Some of the most pleasant, caring people simply turned. The lesson wasn't a success and I quickly learnt to listen before I preached. I know a great deal more now and I know that most Hungarians know how superficial cultural differences are. The younger generation are a transnational generation who celebrate the cultural mix of peoples in Hungary.
Although things have moved on in some ways, they haven't in others. Sometimes it still is socially acceptable to blame gypsies for things that are really in the hands of the politicians or the people attributing blame. Recent events in Budapest give cause for concern.
But then, this is the same back home, racist are racists and they like to express their sordid opinions at every opportunity.
Anyway, if you're in town and care, see you there.