Is racism against the English acceptable?

[BabyBearRus]

We are currently on holiday in Wales and have just heard an altercation outside our holiday accommodation blasting the "bastard English who come to stay here". I'm shocked. I am half Welsh and half Irish, and spent much time in both countries. But also spent half my life in England. There has always been a jovial criticism of the English, e.g. during rugby internationals etc, but in recent years the tone has become more racist. I also find this resentful attitude towards the English amongst my Irish and Scottish friends. The English seem to be an acceptable people to hate. Surely this should be classed as racism? And, I'm saying this from a predominantly Welsh and Irish heritage. Yes, I am aware of the history of these isles, but when are we going to get over this? Truly baffled.

[BabyBearRus]

P.s. I am aware of the debate be around the term race and racism, and whether you can define the English (or Welsh, Irish, Scottish) as a particular race. But I hope you get the gist of my argument. In other words I am referring to a prejudice against a party nation.

[spotcheck]

No, it isn't acceptable.
There is all sorts is casual racism everywhere though. All over these boards you see ' American' used as an insult, and that is ( seeming) perfectly acceptable too

[VladmirsPoutine]

Ummm didn't think so. English isn't a race last time I checked. And if a white Welshman is shouting abuse at a white Englishman that doesn't constitute as racism, so I'm afraid not.

[PickAChew]

It's not racism, it's being a common or garden dickhead.

[PinkertonRab]

This isn’t racism. Prejudice, yes. But not racism.

[tallduckandhandsome]

It’s not racism, English isn’t a race.

[BabyBearRus]

Absolutely agree spotcheck. This altercation has really shaken me, as the woman they were having a go at was English. She only...very politely... asked them not to park in front of her drive. She spends half the year at the property, and contributes massively to the local community.

[GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER]

I’d just call it prejudice, since there’s no actual racial factor involved.

[neverknowinglyunreasonable]

No, this is fine. Carry on everyone.

[Imcatmum]

Yes, perfectly acceptable. Work away.

[EccentricaGalumbits]

There seems to be quite a bit of anti 'other' sentiment from some people across the UK and Ireland. It definitely goes both ways. It's not nice or helpful but it's not racism.

[AlexaShutUp]

It isn't racism but it is prejudice. I don't think it should be acceptable but I suspect it's very common.

[fairynick]

Racist towards English people 😂😂😂 fucking hell, not really comparable to ACTUAL racism where people of colour you know .. die because of the colour of their skin???

[DicklessWonder]

Probably the constant overspill of “England” being used in place of “Britain” and the fact that Wales, Scotland and Ireland still have to shout to be noticed.

Whilst we have a devolved government (thank fuck during the pandemic) we have very little say in much else that gets decided centrally.

[HmmmmmmInteresting]

I can't get worked up about this

[solittletime]

Xenophobia is what it is. Plenty of white Europeans subjected to it daily in the Uk. Different from racism I’d say, but similarly steeped in ignorance and fear

[BabyBearRus]

Yes, as I said the term race is problematic, but it would definitely be defined as prejudice. And, shouldn't this be equally as unacceptable as displaying a racist attitude?

[znaika]

It's not racism but it's prejudice and it has been stoked on social media massively. It's even creeping into MSM Stateside. I also come from a nationality which it seems it's acceptable to say the moat disgusting rhings about.
Hopefully this cultural moment we're living through of people actively enjoying division and blaming and hatred will pass soon.

[Bagamoyo1]

It annoys me too OP. It seems that it’s perfectly fine for anyone to openly loathe “the English”, as demonstrated by several posts on this thread.

[sst1234]

@VladmirsPoutine

Ummm didn't think so. English isn't a race last time I checked. And if a white Welshman is shouting abuse at a white Englishman that doesn't constitute as racism, so I'm afraid not.

So just Xenophobia then? That’s acceptable? What a poor attempt at playing it down.

[WorraLiberty]

I'm pretty sure you know

1. It's xenophobia

1. It's not acceptable

However, on Mumsnet English bashing is almost as popular as Londoner bashing at times.

[TopOfTheHour]

It's wearing. I'm fed up of dickheads.

[sst1234]

@fairynick

Racist towards English people 😂😂😂 fucking hell, not really comparable to ACTUAL racism where people of colour you know .. die because of the colour of their skin???

Is it a competition between who can be more racist? What a stupid argument.

[BabyBearRus]

Just want to mention that I am married to a very patriotic Welshman, and a daughter of a very patriotic Welshman. And my sister is Plaid Cymru all the way...like all English should be out of Wales permanently 🤷 So, I really am between a rock and a hard place. But this prejudice towards an entire nation (or rather from a white English background) leaves a nasty taste in my mouth. My husband and Dad actually cheered for the other team in the Euro 20 final. Wtf 🤷