So, what to do about the racism and xenophobia?

[BishopBrennansArse]

I'm not going to go into any argument about who voted what way. There's no point.

BUT

The racist and xenophobic element (everyone knows there is one) have taken the result and are running with it for their own ends. On social media and in the streets are people aggressively stating that as the vote was out people have to 'go home' even to non white British born people. There have been hate letters posted through doors of Polish people living in Huntingdon. They're shouting pretty loudly and believe that they now have a right to do so.

So, what can 'we' (voters from both sides) actually do about this? Is there any way that despite our disagreement over In/Out there could be unity in fighting against racism and xenophobia? Is there any kind of campaign already existing to get behind this?

I just feel that we are going to have quite enough going on with the economic, political and legislative reforms that will happen and fear that protecting equality will be overlooked and allow this to build and thrive.

[PausingFlatly]

I'm going to helpfully say Don't Know.

But get on this thread anyway (and thank you for starting it).

[BishopBrennansArse]

Thanks.
It's really frightening.

[Asprilla11]

As a leave voter who hates UKIP, Johnson, Gove and especially Farage I'd be quite happy if a party like UKIP is banned, or at least told what it is allowed to say that doesn't invite racists.

I'd also be happy for all racists and xenophobics to be sent to prison for hate remarks or sent on compulsory education courses on race, religion and diversity.

[RiceCrispieTreats]

I have the same question.

I think it's partly about addressing the fears that underlie xenophobia (foreigners taking our jobs = fear about one's own economic position).

And partly about bringing about change in the tabloid press. They are truly the enablers of racism.

[SemiNormal]

I think that we, as a community, can do our small bit by speaking up when hearing racist remarks. It seems like a fairly 'easy' thing to do but sometimes, if it comes from work colleagues or family for example, a lot of people tend to skirt around the issue for fear of upsetting the apple cart. By not saying anything people are essentially condoning that mindset meaning the racists become more and more comfortable with their racism.
We have to let our racist family/friends/colleagues etc know that it ISN'T acceptable.

[SemiNormal]

Just been on Facebook and in our town we are having an event Celebration of (town)s International Community - there is an event the day before Hope Not Hate. Proud of my town for doing something.

I'm really surprised (and saddened) to see that this thread hasn't got more responses.

[BurnTheBlackSuit]

I'd also like to do something to show that Leaveing the EU doesn't mean racism is ok. I voted leave.

I love the idea of Hope not Hate.

A decision has been made, now we have to make it work for everyone in the UK. The change needs to be a positive one.

[PausingFlatly]

There's one on a similar theme here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/2671372-Nobody-is-Leaving-A-non-referendum-thread-about-how-we-can-combat-the-increase-in-racism?pg=1

[SanityClause]

I was at a school do last night. I was on a table of 14 people, of whom 11 were not born in the UK, of of the remaining 3, one was a second generation immigrant.

The general feeling was of how hurt we felt. None of us had really questioned the way the British saw us. We had never really felt unwelcome. We had all thought that Britain was an outward looking, inclusive country. It seems we were wrong.

Some of the people were making plans to go whatever happens, simply because they feel so unwanted.

[DecaffCoffeeAndRollupsPlease]

2nd gen here and the hate in the air is palpable. Going to the local shop is a different experience today to last week, or a few months ago.

I like the sentiment of badges and slogans but doubt the impact it'll have.

[kinkytoes]

Definitely calling people out on it, even if things are said in a 'jokey' way. It's not on. I feel for anyone who feels unwelcome here as a result of the vote. Please understand the majority of leave voters did not intend that!!

[mollie123]

it achieves nothing to call 'leave' voters racist and xenophobia when it is clear not all 17 million are. It is the lunatic fringe in some areas of the UK who are giving voice to feelings they already have and these are the people who need to be tackled.
Is there an indication of where these attacks are taking place as some areas are particular strongholds of the far right?

[mollie123]

sanity
We had never really felt unwelcome. We had all thought that Britain was an outward looking, inclusive country. It seems we were wrong.
no - you were not wrong
So you always felt welcomed, Britain is an inclusive country (far more than many other countries) - this has not changed but there is a small group of far right racists who are seizing their opportunity. Has anyone actually said anything to you personally or are you becoming a little paranoid from reading facebook?
My son is mixed race and he has not experienced anything of the sort

[BreakingDad77]

People blaming immigrants when its tory and nu-labour spending that puts pressures on

The over sensationalizing of the "muslim/eastern european immigrants with 12 kids in a local authority mansion jumping the queue "of our own" "

[areyoubeingserviced]

I am English, my dh is Spanish but had lived in England for 25 years.
Yesterday, he was told to go home.
The mother of a colleague of mine was told to go home despite the fact that she is 70 years of age and has lived in England for 50 years.

[areyoubeingserviced]

Has lived