The insular threads

[tryingtoprep]

Can we at least keep it all on one thread.

There's an influx of "You're not welcome here" type threads. Very unpleasant undertone about "outsiders".

A plea for non essential travel is one thing but it's the way these threads are worded and some of the posts. "FUCK OFF", "You're not welcome here", "we're going to make them feel unwelcome". It's all a bit nasty and although not at all the same too reminiscent of racist anti foreigner messaging. It's uncomfortable reading. The undertone of "don't bring your diseases here" (despite coronavirus being found across the UK). If people want to post asking others not to travel that's one thing but many posts are little more than barely hidden hostility towards non locals.

It's particularly not nice for anyone reading who might be fleeing domestic abuse (possibly to a refuge in one of these places) or a family with someone vulnerable at high risk of Covid who are self isolating in a holiday home because people do what they can to protect their loved ones.

[LilyMumsnet]

Hi OP

If you have concerns about the tone of a thread, can you report the thread to us using the report button? We're always happy to take a look.

[tryingtoprep]

Thanks for the suggestion. I don't want to report. It was a bit frustrating seeing so many if the same threads but I've realised it's a difficult time and people are stressed. People have the opportunity to reply and debate on the threads, which is good.

[DramaAlpaca]

It's OK to report tryingtoprep. Nobody other than MNHQ will know you've reported, and it's better if they do get reports about nasty stuff so they can deal with it. I do agree with you though, there's an unpleasant tone around on some threads at the moment.

[tryingtoprep]

Thanks Drama I've decided to leave it. I don't want to be a censor and decided I'd prefer to challenge the attitudes instead. I appreciate people's need to feel safe but the way some of them are saying it is pretty unpleasant. The "fuck off" "piss off out of here" stuff. I'm taking a break. I've become overinvested.

[LouMumsnet]

We're really sorry to hear that you've been upset like this, @tryingtoprep - that's really not what Mumsnet is about at all. Please do drop us a line on [email protected] if you'd like a chat.

[tryingtoprep]

I feel silly now! Thank you @LouMumsnet. I'm fine. I got a bit too involved emotionally but feeling much better after some time offline. People are scared and that's understandable. There's definitely some unpleasant undertones ("keep your London germs", etc) but some people just aren't very nice. Others are lovely.

[DramaAlpaca]

Glad you're feeling better @tryingtoprep

[HarrietThePi]

I know what you mean op, I felt the same way reading some posts. I understand everyone is worried and anxious right now but I think the worst thing we can do is turn on each other. I have just posted a bit of rant about selfish customers who don't care about retail staff so I suppose I'm being a hypocrite now! I do understand the point that people don't want others coming to where they live when they don't have the resources needed to deal with that many people and also because they don't want the increased risk of the virus being spread there, but I think a little bit more understanding wouldn't go amiss. The only reason people want to run is because they're scared. Most of us are scared.

[tryingtoprep]

I feel really sorry for retail staff right now. Can't be easy. Yes I think we should all be limiting our travel. I understand people not wanting it to spread but it's a shame some lack compassion for others. I didn't travel anywhere but I understand why some did. They're scared and were probably desperate to get some proper fresh air whilst they still can. I don't think polluted city air helps the lungs! Everyone's so scared and it's sad people are turning on each other. Luckily there's a lot of support here too.