This happened to me at the weekend and I feel ashamed I did nothing - Racism

It’s absolutely right that bystanders be able to identify and object to racism.

What you’re saying is that we should
mostly let victims of racism fend for themselves.

As a victim of racism, I would absolutely welcome a white person (or of any colour) giving me solidarity during an incident.

I’ve been there when people have stood by rubbernecking and not doing anything, it’s a horrible feeling. Even a kind word to me would have been welcome at those times.

How many threads are there on racism, which actually are quite goady? Racism is abhorrent and should always be called out. However, most times, the offence taker, at whom the racism (or perceived racism) isn't directed, acts as the patronising white saviour. Disclaimer: in some cases, this applies. Only some. If I witnessed blatant racism, I would act accordingly, depending on the circumstances. I wouldn't expect recognition for it.

I'm not saying I'm wonderful, I'm just saying there was no need to make the post. She's just looking for sympathy and approval because she feels guilty as if she were the one experiencing racism. I doubt the OP has experienced racism, but I have, and if someone was a bystander and then was looking for sympathy, I would expect people to call out that barbaric behaviour too.

How is OP admitting she didn’t intervene in a racist incident virtue signalling?

Because she has realised that racist people are everywhere, including on this thread, and that good people can’t just stand by and watch, they need to be allies and help make a difference by speaking up.

Virtue signalling at its finest. Look at me, aren't I wonderful clutching my pearls on behalf of somebody else.

Yes, but why was there a need to post? She could've felt regret without posting. Very attention-seeking!

Why are you so anxious for racism to be brushed under the carpet?

I think it’s great OP has talked about her regret. I’m very sure next time she will intervene.

You claim you're not trying to gain sympathy, so why make the post. What have you gained? You're just posting about how you ignored racism. Just Odd!

Then why make this post??

Should have said something too late now. Trying to gain sympathy over it. Ridiculous!

You’d ‘rather’ stand for Palestine than Jews? And you think you’re anti-racist?

I don't remember saying that. I do remember you interpreting my saying that NHS staff shouldn't be donning political badges as me accusing of antisemitism. You're the one who jumped to that conclusion. Funny that. Cognitive bias?

Like claiming anybody with a “Free Gaza” badge is an anti-semite….

😶

Bit like people reaching for racism when there was none there to begin with.

That woman would have annoyed the hell out of me. But it wouldn't occur to me to suddenly start using racist stereotypes and generalisations to express my anger. A person either harbours those prejudiced ideas or they don't.

Exactly this. People who reach for racism when annoyed were racist to begin with.

I don’t use Twitter. Haven’t since Leon Musty took over.

The racist comments on this story are literally wherever it is posted.

I think in the UK while Islamophobia is number 1 and most accepted anti-blackness is also fairly normalised too. Any advert in the UK featuring a mixed couple always attracts vitriol and the comments on news stories you expect to attract sympathy (like a missing child that happens to be black) are a complete s-t show. There just appears to be a huge growth in horrendous racism and bigotry and technology and online spaces appear to be feeding it.

(But I agree with you on the comments on that story. Conservatives openly supporting a white supremacist.)

I grew up in South Africa so I know my racism! And of course this was racist, disgustingly so. But OP don't worry about not saying anything. People like that man (and the racism apologists in this thread) won't ever change their minds. Racism is a form of psychological blindness, a projection. Yes, people can have their minds changed in some special circumstances, but it won't be because someone tells them off at a car boot sale. That would only make him defensive.

That woman would have annoyed the hell out of me. But it wouldn't occur to me to suddenly start using racist stereotypes and generalisations to express my anger. A person either harbours those prejudiced ideas or they don't.

So I wouldn't have bothered to say anything to him. It wasn't a human rights abuse, it was a racial insult. In SA, it only becomes hate speech, and thus a legal issue, if it's a direct incitement to violence, and this was not.

American Twitter is mostly focused on black people, the UK seems to be Muslims.

One woman sent hundreds of dollars with the message: "I'm tired of minorities policing our language."

Lots of comments about black people being subhuman, how people are tired of them, getting ready for the race war etc

The man who filmed her was accused of being a paedophile.

You should see the comments on social media when the story is shared….let’s just say a LOT of people are huge fans of 5 year old black children being racially abused.

Thank you.
I just did the Google thing too. It’s ASTONISHING!

abcnews.go.com/amp/US/wireStory/woman-called-black-child-slur-raised-backlash-thousands-121576616