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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to complain that DD had an Empire Day theme at Rainbows?

449 replies

DancesWithTimMinchin · 24/05/2016 21:54

DH is from a former colony. We don't think celebrating our history of colonisation is appropriate or inclusive. When we complained, the people who organise the Rainbow's didn't think there was anything inappropriate about celebrating Empire Day as a theme for a history-based afternoon.

AWBU?

OP posts:
Skittlesss · 24/05/2016 21:55

Yes. Very.

CaptainCrunch · 24/05/2016 21:56

Oh, go away op.

TeaBelle · 24/05/2016 21:56

Yes. Don't send her if you think it's that inappropriate. The leaders are volunteers ffs

dollylucy · 24/05/2016 21:57

What did you complain about, exactly?

Original poster
DancesWithTimMinchin · 24/05/2016 21:59

We just think Common Wealth day would have been more appropriate, Our kids are descended form people who were oppressed by the British Empire.

OP posts:
originalmavis · 24/05/2016 22:01

Where do you live?

Original poster
DancesWithTimMinchin · 24/05/2016 22:02

East Anglia

OP posts:
FreshHorizons · 24/05/2016 22:02

They are all volunteers OP doing it for free. If you don't like it I am sure that they will be only too happy to have you as a leader and then you can be in at the planning.

blimeyalldecentnamesaregone · 24/05/2016 22:03

Yes. Don't send her if you think it's that inappropriate. The leaders are volunteers ffs

^this with bells on^

FreshHorizons · 24/05/2016 22:04

Having been a volunteer leader my answer to complainers would most definitely be 'OK - you do it'.

MrsRonBurgundy · 24/05/2016 22:04

if you have enough time on your hands to get worked up about that, maybe you could consider volunteering and helping the lovely people that keep Rainbows running for no pay or reward??

originalmavis · 24/05/2016 22:06

And you tell the children that they are half descendants of the evil empire, half of the oppressed?

acasualobserver · 24/05/2016 22:06

Empire Day? Where school children were given a map and told to colour the British bits (ie most of it) red? No-one's observed Empire Day since 1950, surely?

reup · 24/05/2016 22:07

That's so weird, it's not been celebrated since the '50s. Commonwealth day would have been so much better.

Akire · 24/05/2016 22:07

If it was for a history evening then can't see much wrong. Yes British had an empire that's history you can't change that. I'm guessing there was lots of fun and cultural activities not Britain is better than anyone else. Can't see why you would object surely it's good thing to have a conversation about if your family feels it's been apressed and how things are better now or forever doomed and continues to be Britions fault depending on your view point.

Jimjamjoos · 24/05/2016 22:07

YANBU. The Empire is definitely nothing to be celebrated. I would have a word. It's got nothing to do with being a volunteer or not. It's inappropriate.

Original poster
DancesWithTimMinchin · 24/05/2016 22:08

So because they are volunteers we can't ever question their judgement? That seems a little extreme. Maybe next week they can black them all up and have gollywog afternoon if they feel like it - after all they are all volunteers with my impressionable 5 year old, let them do what they like...

OP posts:
Jimjamjoos · 24/05/2016 22:09
Grin
neolara · 24/05/2016 22:09

24th of May is Empire Day, or so my Granny used to tell me. It was Queen Victoria's birthday. (And mine. which is why I know these random facts).

Foofoobum · 24/05/2016 22:09

I don't think you're being unreasonable at all. Unfortunately Britain still seems to believe the empire was something to celebrate rather than what it actually was - enforced colonisation and oppression. A time we should be ashamed of, I don't think it's anything to be proud of. Then again I don't read the daily mail or fear foreigners either. Looks like we're in the minority OP. That's no bad thing.

Akire · 24/05/2016 22:10

But I doubt they were celebrating being oppressive rulers over half the world and how to govern and spores millions of people. What did the girls actually do???! learning about country's and cultures ?

acasualobserver · 24/05/2016 22:12

Maybe next week they can black them all up and have gollywog afternoon if they feel like it

Well, that definitely would make the news! Although, weirdly, the children would probably rather enjoy it.

MissElizaBennettsBookmark · 24/05/2016 22:12

YANBU

About as appropriate as celebrating Slavery Day or Nazi Day IMO

SlatternIsTrying · 24/05/2016 22:12

Simple solution - don't send your child back.

I simply cannot get any indignation worked up at all about a group of volunteers trying to teach a bit of history to young ones in his manner.

frasersmummy · 24/05/2016 22:12

This is one of the reasons the association is crying out for leaders..

We give up our time and effort in planning organising and running a varied and balanced program on a very very small budget and there is always someone ready to complain

We dont want thanks (though it would be nice) we dont want money but we also dont want negativity when we are doing our best to entertain and inform and generally look after your child for at least an hour a week

Like others have said if you dont like the way the rainbow unit is being run go offer to help