there are two things I've read recently that I'd like to share with those who have similar interests:

Michael Kimmelman's article in today's New York Times/Arts, "With Flemish Nationalism on the Rise, Belgium Teeters on the Edge," which sums up with this quote from Els Witte:

“In a global society, nations are less important,” she answered. “It’s a moral question. Does a culture have a right to stand up for itself? More than that: Do unity and nationhood take priority over one’s culture? That’s not just an issue for Belgians but everyone.”

and

The pages and pages of comments on this article in the July 22 Independent, "The picture that shames Italy," where it becomes clear that it's not only gypsies that are "the other" for many.