Do I say something or keep my mouth shut - quick!!

[Iaimtomisbehave1]

Sitting in the leisure centre waiting for my kids. Next to me are a group of what I'm guessing are 14 year olds. They are talking about poppies and Muslims and how Muslims all hate poppies and did nothing for us in the war etc.

400,000 Muslims thought in ww1. Again in ww2. 50,000 of them died. British Muslims wear and buy poppies.

A minority find them offensive. But a minority of many groups find them offensive.

I really want to tell these kids that Muslims fought and died in the war and are not offended by poppies. And tell them to educate themselves before they start using such awful language and insults toward a whole race.

Fought not thought. Bloody phone.

They’re stupid but they won’t change their minds because some random tries to educate them.

Tell them. Stop the madness!

Go for it! They will think you’re weird but the message might still get through

Do it!

I would.

Yes tell them!

Do it!

I was considering just emailing the school but I'm going to speak up!! Its 5 boys... I think it will be ok. They chatted to my 5 year old earlier so they weren't completelt horrible then...

Teenagers talking bollocks is pretty standard. You can take the moral high ground and call them out but you run the risk of being told to fuck off.

Your choice, how confrontational are you feeling and is it worth being intimidated by a group?

Muslims are not a race, OP!! Islam is a religion.

But yes, say something.

How about 'I couldn't help hearing you say Muslims are against poppies. You might be surprised to hear (insert facts) So you can put whoever told you straight. '

(That is less confrontational as it gives them the chance to agree with you / save face and join in blame of fictional person). Out of 5 kids I bet at least one disagrees and doesn't know how to pipe up.

@thereallochnessmonster

I do know that. But I was typing quickly and when they were using the word "Muslim" they were meaning "middle eastern". They also through in "the paki's" as well. But I didn't have time to type properly incase they left before I got advice.

Ffs Islam isn’t a race. Educate yourself first! I was Muslim. I’m not anymore. Suggesting that a religion is a race is more offensive than making generalisations about a religion.

I did it. I said "sorry guys, but I overheard earlier when you were talking about poppies and thought you might like to know.... all the facts..... It's great to be patriotic and want to wear your poppies, but you can undo all that good work when you spread offensive nonsense".

They accepted it wit good grace. If a little unconvinced. But the one who had been leading their conversation did say "what was the battle of britain" when I said that they flew in that battle. So maybe he will learn something!!

Well done.

Tell them! They need educating.

Fairly unusual to hear fourteen year olds talking about the second world war at all, unless they'd been 'doing' it in History.

(Most of us do realise that Islam is a religion, not a race.)

@Racecardriver

See above. I'm more than aware thanks.

As I said, I was typing quickly. My comment of educating themselves before making comments about a whole race were in direct reference to the further comments they were making regarding people asian people. But, as said above, I didn't type everything properly because I was trying to be quick.

*arab people and Asian people.

Did you say anything OP- what was the response?

Well done OP!

Good for you.

Good for you op. The world needs more people like you

Good for you, OP