Fuck fireworks

Animals are not guests in human society, they are co-occupiers of the planet we share.

Avoidance isn't a tactic for therapy. It works well to manage symptoms for those who have yet to have therapy for whatever reason.

We don't force rape victims to have sex, we let them wait until they are ready. Likewise, we should not force the 23% of armed forces veterans who are affected by fireworks to face loud bangs until they are ready.

Are fireworks a form of exercise that keeps people fit and counters the national obesity epidemic? No, so they are not comparable to sports.

If grapes were blinding people and disfiguring them for life, you'd have a point. But they don't, so you don't.

I'd ban bubble tea just for the mess the containers make when dropped as litter, sticky gunk everywhere.

Have an autistic niece, can confirm. She can't even ride a train without ear defenders.

I WAS KEPT AWAKE ALL NIGHT BY THE SOUND OF CRICKET BATS. AND GRAPES.

Anyone? No, didn't think so.

"I was kept awake by dogs barking a mile away and people drinking bubble tea. And people playing rugby at midnight."

Nope, no takers for that either.

Likewise, we should not force the 23% of armed forces veterans who are affected by fireworks to face loud bangs until they are ready.

I expect folk who are triggered by bangs are sensible enough to be inside ,curtains drawn, tv volume up and possibly even ear defenders on.

The thing about fireworks on Bonfire night is it's not unexpected or out of the blue.

Funny how fireworks are so popular when they are so hated and scary to so many.. or maybe it's a minority that just moan a lot?

I quite agree that sensible people would be indoors and take steps to mitigate the effect on Bonfire Night! Unfortunately, fireworks aren't just on Bonfire Night, they are sold and let off for two weeks beforehand, including in broad daylight. that are the problem. You can't expect someone to spend two weeks inside, curtains drawn, TV up, and ear defenders on.

How many on this thread have to wear ear defenders for more than a couple of hours at a time? Because both plugs and the over-ear type start to hurt after a while. You can't wear them all day.

If fireworks were sold for a shorter time frame, they'd be let off for a shorter time frame.

My dad has dementia. It happened very suddenly so we didn't have time to just get him used to it. I suspect he'd probably be OK with normal fireworks, like what were the norm when I was a child - roman candles and catherine wheels. But they're like professional grade fireworks now which are incredibly loud, and not intended to be set off in back gardens. My dad is absolutely terrified of them. He doesn't understand what the noise is, just that it is incredibly loud and sounds like bombs. His windows are double glazed. The issue is not with the fabric of his home, which incidentally has shook with the force of some of these fireworks. The issue is with the fireworks themselves and the manner in which they are being set off.

If it were restricted to 5th November, I'd make my peace with it as I could just take him away somewhere quiet, away from it all. But I've had him sobbing on the phone for the last couple of weeks, and this will no doubt continue because people are so fucking self centred and entitled that their desire to see coloured explosives in the sky and hear the bang of them takes precedent over all of the many reasons they are a menace.

Added to this, my friend's horse bolted from its field on Friday. It was 4pm and still broad daylight so why people were setting fireworks off I'll never know. Thankfully she got him back, but it could have been catastrophic.

Explosives should not be sold to the general public as a means of entertainment.

You can't expect someone to spend two weeks inside, curtains drawn, TV up, and ear defenders on.

Well actually, if bangs were a trigger for me I think I would stay indoors etc

It depends how badly it affected me.

It would be very interesting to hear the opinion of someone who did actually have PTSD.

His house has shaken for weeks because of fireworks? I'd definitely say it's the fabric of his house because most people don't have this problem.

Is it true that fireworks are louder nowadays?
Is there any fact in that?

I read on MN that children scream more nowdays and I'm dubious about that too.

Here's the opinion of someone who does actually have PTSD:

Ex-RAF serviceman Matt Neve, who has been diagnosed with PTSD, generalised anxiety disorder and depression, all attributable to his service, said:

"One of my main roles was the loading and unloading of those that had been injured or killed in order to repatriate them. Unfortunately, PTSD developed from this, a trigger of which is sudden loud noise, flashes of light or explosions, as well as certain smells."

"So imagine what it's like when these are combined in a small package set off by your neighbour. You physically shake with fear, sweat, and become so agitated that you don't know what to do. Imagine what it's like to get out your car just as a firework is set off and you grab your daughter and dive to the ground for cover because you thought you were back in a war zone. Imagine how embarrassing it is to accidentally wet yourself in front of your family, because that young idiot down the road launches fireworks at or near your house, or to be scared to leave your house in the evening in the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night and New Year."

"All of the above is what happens and has happened to me. It's a reality of living with PTSD."

I'd say so. And I'm a musician, so I should be a reasonable judge of that.

Amazing that of everything I said, you chose to focus on that, and yet still not even bother yourself to read it properly.

I did not say his house has been shaking for weeks. I said his house has shook with the pressure from some of the fireworks.

Again, it is not his fault. Or do you suggest he should move to a sturdier building because some selfish pricks have decided to let off industrial fireworks near his home?

@CatamaranViper it's very telling that someone tells you a personal story about their loved one and the impact of fireworks and you choose to respond in the mocking way you did, without acknowledging the actual content.

I'd say so. And I'm a musician, so I should be a reasonable judge of that.

With respect I wonder if there is any actual evidence.

I suspect the venn diagram for people who happily declare that all living things around them should 'suck it up' when it comes to fireworks, subscribe to the theory that poor people should just work harder & believe their feral children are just the most precious little poppets would be a circle.

They lack empathy & think only of themselves.

Nah to be quite frank I think you're embellishing your story to try and make a point like many, many people do online.

I am a 'poor person' thanks, but yes I do think my child is precious. Is your child not precious to you? That's sad.

I stopped reading at 'cunt'.

I think some people don't get heard because of the way they express themselves. What were you saying?

@DevonWindyWeather - we are allowed to use the word 'cunt' on Mumsnet - and I do not believe that you were so overcome with the vapours at simply reading the word that you could not read the rest of the post you quoted. I'm sure you are perfectly capable of reading this post too, despite my use of the word.

If you aren't going to engage with the subject matter of the thread, why bother posting with your profanity policing? Why not just click away?

@SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius

I recall a man around a foot taller than me screaming and spitting in my face that I was a 'cunt'. My crime was attempting to get to the toilet having had an unexpected bleed against the flow of the crowd. Excuse me please, didn't wash it. His girlfriend tittered next to him. It was an example of extreme aggression.

I tend to now just switch off when individuals scream their opinions with it, label people it. I feel (just my opinion) it reduces what is said, not amplifly it. Yes MN allow it, carry on, use it. However, some might just ignore the message or not bother to read it without basic civility. I appreciate many on here go out of their way to scream and shout and never intend to be civil. I tend to ignore them. I, as you, and others, all have the freedom to post, within current guidelines.

Have a delightful day 😊