It has merit. It has TONS of merit. I lived in Russia for 2 years and I swear the Gypsies defy all logic.
It's like they live in a completely different century... I've never met a Gypsy who was an educated productive member of society, but I have dealt with literally a thousand or more (they love to target foreigners) who without exception meet the stereotype of a roaming band of thieves.

I've had swarms of children try to mug me.
It's completely UNREAL.

They totally isolate themselves from the rest of society, raise their children knowing only how to rob and steal... it is the most amazing / sad cycle I've ever seen in my life.