Italy 2013..The good, bad, the ugly.

How do you know they are illegal vendors? Sorry, it's a bit of a loaded word. I know there is some tension in welcoming non-native Italians to Italy, but I'm wondering whether your use of illegal was justified. If others live there, make their home there, and try to make a living there, it may be "their beloved Italia" too

I think Agnes may be a bit naive One notes that when ever the police appear, the vendors rapidly wrap up their wears and quickly run away. Yes, most of them are indeed Africans and no, I'm not being racist by agreeing that they are clearly illegals. If they weren't, why, pray tell, would they scurry away as the police approach.
With that said, I can tell you that my wife, daughter and I have enjoyed several trips to Italy in the last several years and simply ignored the constant press of the "illegal" vendors. If you stride purposely and don't dress and act to draw attention to yourself as "Amerikans" you won't get hassled or even approached.

Annoying yes, but dangerous? Dangerous is the crossing they make stuffed into rickety little boats. Thousands drown each year, unknown, alone, while their families wonder what happend to them. Smile, buy a trinket and give'em a break. These are human beings.

Yes, they can be dangerous, I've witnessed it a few times. And no, do not buy anything from them, especially the knockoff bags sold by the Africans, it is a front for organized crime. Every so often (usually around election time, my Venetian friends tell me) the local politicians decide to crack down and post warnings that anyone caught buying illegal knockoff goods from the street people will face a fine of up to 10,000 euros or so. It can be comical to see them get busted by the polizia or Caribinieri though.

I think the vendors run when the police appear because their activities are illegal. Whether the vendors are there illegally or not, selling "illegal goods" brings on the cops. Notice how the sunglasses, etc. are attached to a board that can be grabbed and moved quickly. I ignore this activity. I'm not in the market for fake goods.

India is VERY likely, at least in Venice. There are many people from that area selling crap in the streets there.

The behavior or venders varies wildly in different parts of Italy. In Tuscany they are more mild, passively offering to sell you flowers and then leaving with a simple "no." In Sicily on the other hand, they are downright aggressive. They will place the flower on the plate at your table in an outdoor cafe and insist you buy it. Often won't take a kind or mild "No," for an answer. I had to be very firm (probably a little rude) and say "I said NO!" one time for the man to leave (which he did). Bottom line, most of the time you are fine (even in Rome) but you might have to aggressively say no if they are being aggressive.

If you're easily offended by street people, you need to stay out of Jamaica.

If you're easily offended by street people, you need to stay out of Jamaica. David, do you mean Jamaica, Queens - to which I used to go weekly in a former life -, or the entire country of Jamaica - to which I have never been?

Agnes,
First of all, there may be people there that are not natural born Italians that ARE legal and ARE legally selling goods, BUT, I am referring to the ones that that are grab-and-run when they see the Garda/police. And in certain cities certain ones are more aggressive than others. I'm not showing prejudice against any race, color, creed or country of origin when attempting to describe these folks. Just going by what an older Italian vendor told me. Also, NO one should assume that I don't consider these people unfortunate or in bad situation. I give money to every begger I see, and am always told I shouldn't. It breaks my heart. But I also empathise with the Italians having their businesses affected.