Page 4 | Dear Black People of Mumsnet

PatricksRum · 2020-09-13T23:23:18+00:00

Following on. Name the thread poll here. https://strawpoll.com/fr4juk62w Thanks to everyone, black and white who have helpfully contributed. Thanks to everyone, black and white who have proved exactly why we need this section. *@AMemeByAnyOtherName* *@BIWI* *@EchoCardioGran* *@Quaagars* *@Phoenix21*

Original poster

PatricksRum · 14/09/2020 10:09

@Treesandsky

Hi OP. I've just read this thread fresh this morning. I don't have any background whatsoever on the other threads. But I just wanted to offer my support to you in light of your post that said you are struggling with the emotions of the threads with chronic illness. It sounds like a really practical idea to have a space to discuss issues that affect black people. I am white so will bow out now but good luck in your quest with getting everything set up.

Hi Tree,

Thank you so much for the kind message. I really appreciate it.

The board is long overdue.

You're welcome here. Anyone who is listening and learning is appreciated round here!

Thanks again for your message. Take it easy x

OP posts:

Dastardlythefriendlymutt · 14/09/2020 10:17

Hk

Thanks for the new thread. Thanks for tagging me Meme.

OP please can you PM the link for the new voting poll.

Absolutely disgusting those comments and then they claim they aren't racist

Dastardlythefriendlymutt · 14/09/2020 10:27

I'm sorry you are not feeling well OP and Meme.

I hope you feel better soon and the board is up and running soon so we can have a safe space to share.

That said, would probably be helpful to collate examples of the covert racist comments and words people use for MN to help with the moderation of the board. I dont know what do you think

Original poster

PatricksRum · 14/09/2020 10:36

@Dastardlythefriendlymutt

I'm sorry you are not feeling well OP and Meme.

I hope you feel better soon and the board is up and running soon so we can have a safe space to share.

That said, would probably be helpful to collate examples of the covert racist comments and words people use for MN to help with the moderation of the board. I dont know what do you think

Pm'd a code!

I totally agree with you, I've purposefully asked for certain comments to be left up as they perfectly illustrate our points.

The comments on the previous thread were from racist PLMN so I'm not even surprised.

Thank you for the well wishes.

OP posts:

AthelstaneTheUnready · 14/09/2020 10:37

Bloody hell, @PatricksRum, I'm so sorry and angry to see what happened on that first poll

I do think MNHQ should step in a bit more this week - you're attracting all the flak and it's not right they leave you to fight the case and just wait for the outcome

Not asking for a link, as I'm white so not for me to weigh in on what's most popular!

skippy67 · 14/09/2020 10:39

Could you please PM me the code? Thanks.

Ginkypig · 14/09/2020 11:12

Hi.

Iv been on the previous threads, mostly reading with my fingers crossed. I didn't add much in the way of ideas as I stated I'm not black so really why should I want to move the discussion away from or think I would know better about what should be in a black section than actual black people!

It has just been ridiculous to me that a section that would have zero negative impact on anyone who didn't want to use it would cause such fury and hate and yes outright racism.

I did post a couple of times in support/defence when I saw a post that made me just hang my head with the ignorance.

I really hope that soon the section gets up and running.

And not that's it's anything to do with me so I don't want to ask for a code and skew the results of the poll but I really like black perspectives.

@PatricksRum I just want to say as much as there has been so much hate a lot of it directed straight at you, I want you to remember that there are lots of us sending strength to you and support.

AMemeByAnyOtherName · 14/09/2020 11:18

@Dastardlythefriendlymutt "That said, would probably be helpful to collate examples of the covert racist comments and words people use for MN to help with the moderation of the board."

I absolutely agree with this. And despite everything I'm so glad that people have proved the point so perfectly across the series of threads. Like you, I hope that MN can remember the particulars of the insults and apply them to the seemingly 'wide eyed and innocent' posts that will no doubt be seen a lot on the new board.

I'd personally like to start a bet on how soon into it we'll see a post along the lines of 'why are you here?'

Actually, isn't there a website or an app where you can paste in text and it shows you the most popular words on a word map? I'll take a look...

Original poster

PatricksRum · 14/09/2020 11:19

@AthelstaneTheUnready

Bloody hell, *@PatricksRum*, I'm so sorry and angry to see what happened on that first poll

I do think MNHQ should step in a bit more this week - you're attracting all the flak and it's not right they leave you to fight the case and just wait for the outcome

Not asking for a link, as I'm white so not for me to weigh in on what's most popular!

Thank you! I think I will have to request a nightly freeze.

The Internet is a strange place and gives power to all manner of people so wouldn't say it in person.

OP posts:

AMemeByAnyOtherName · 14/09/2020 11:20

THERE IS!!

www.wordclouds.com

I plan to use it later with the posts that haven't been deleted. Along with the comments from the deleted poll.

Original poster

PatricksRum · 14/09/2020 11:21

@Ginkypig

Hi.

Iv been on the previous threads, mostly reading with my fingers crossed. I didn't add much in the way of ideas as I stated I'm not black so really why should I want to move the discussion away from or think I would know better about what should be in a black section than actual black people!

It has just been ridiculous to me that a section that would have zero negative impact on anyone who didn't want to use it would cause such fury and hate and yes outright racism.

I did post a couple of times in support/defence when I saw a post that made me just hang my head with the ignorance.

I really hope that soon the section gets up and running.

And not that's it's anything to do with me so I don't want to ask for a code and skew the results of the poll but I really like black perspectives.

@PatricksRum I just want to say as much as there has been so much hate a lot of it directed straight at you, I want you to remember that there are lots of us sending strength to you and support.

I really appreciate this, ginky.

Fortunately personal attacks don't really offend me, especially from strangers, but it makes me feel I'm doing something right to hear your words.

If you do want to vote, or anyone else for that matter you are welcome too.

As I've said I'm more than happy for anyone to join in who is actively listening and learning.

OP posts:

Original poster

PatricksRum · 14/09/2020 11:22

@AMemeByAnyOtherName

THERE IS!!

www.wordclouds.com

I plan to use it later with the posts that haven't been deleted. Along with the comments from the deleted poll.

Excellent! I'm excited

OP posts:

Roussette · 14/09/2020 11:23

Ginkypig Great post, agree with all you say.
I'm a voter for black perspectives too, I just think that gives a broad ummm perspective....

So agree with being perplexed at why people care if there's a board like this when it doesn't affect them, they don't have to read it or go on it, what's the problem? It's like me going on 'The Tack Room' and posting how much I dislike horses, or 'Scotsnet' and saying I've never been to Scotland and don't want to go (not true by the way!) I just cherry pick the bits of MN I like and ignore the bits I don't! Simples.

captainjacksparrow · 14/09/2020 11:28

The problem is @PatricksRum, these “strangers” are someone’s parents, teachers, drs, neighbours etc.

It’s really sickening to think about from that perspective.

I really really hope Mumsnet spend some quality time exploring ways of making sure the board is kept a safe space and there is zero tolerance for any bullshit posts.

AMemeByAnyOtherName · 14/09/2020 11:30

@PatricksRum are you feeling better today?

Gilead · 14/09/2020 11:46

@PatricksRum, hope you’re feeling better and may I have a code please.

Heartbreaker83 · 14/09/2020 12:00

I haven’t yet posted but have been reading your threads @PatricksRum.

Being a black mother of sons I am grateful to you for bringing this up, I think it’s a fantastic idea and so well overdue! I love mumsnet and have been using it for years but I the few times I created a post to do with black issues it has been derailed by the ‘why does colour matter?’ crew so now I post more generally.

It would be so great to discuss issues that affect black people in particular, gain support and hear feedback from people of different cultures/experiences. Thanks so much for this, you have my full support! I’d love to vote too so please can you pm me a code?

Thanks again and hope you are feeling better.

Original poster

PatricksRum · 14/09/2020 12:03

@captainjacksparrow

The problem is *@PatricksRum*, these “strangers” are someone’s parents, teachers, drs, neighbours etc.

It’s really sickening to think about from that perspective.

I really really hope Mumsnet spend some quality time exploring ways of making sure the board is kept a safe space and there is zero tolerance for any bullshit posts.

The thing is with the UK, there is an undertone of racism which I'm starting to think is almost on bar to the USA. There are areas in the USA where racism is more common which could be avoided, but here it's so subtle.

I'll say it again, these threads have been enlightening.

OP posts:

Original poster

PatricksRum · 14/09/2020 12:05

[quote AMemeByAnyOtherName]@PatricksRum are you feeling better today? [/quote]
Thanks for checking Meme.

Still in an episode unfortunately and the heat really exacerbates it.

How are you feeling?

OP posts:

Original poster

PatricksRum · 14/09/2020 12:08

@Heartbreaker83

I haven’t yet posted but have been reading your threads *@PatricksRum*.

Being a black mother of sons I am grateful to you for bringing this up, I think it’s a fantastic idea and so well overdue! I love mumsnet and have been using it for years but I the few times I created a post to do with black issues it has been derailed by the ‘why does colour matter?’ crew so now I post more generally.

It would be so great to discuss issues that affect black people in particular, gain support and hear feedback from people of different cultures/experiences. Thanks so much for this, you have my full support! I’d love to vote too so please can you pm me a code?

Thanks again and hope you are feeling better.

Thank you, heartbreak.

I think having a dc has altered my thinking slightly, I realise how valuable these spaces can be.
By being allowed to speak in a safe space, and having even just one non-black poster reading it and learning makes it worthwhile.
Our dc are the future but also their dc's. Education is key.

I will pm codes now x

OP posts:

JimMaxwellantheshippingforcast · 14/09/2020 12:09

I'm white but happy to vote.

Two questions

How would you like me to vote and do I need a code?

LoveFromDeauville · 14/09/2020 12:14

This is all rather confusing now. Are Mumsnet going to introduce this special section? Why a second thread?

AMemeByAnyOtherName · 14/09/2020 12:15

I'm feeling a lot better than the last couple of days, I really hope you do too @PatricksRum

This should cheer you up...

I'm not even half way through the most recently filled thread and the trend words speak volumes.

Look at the biggest words in the middle 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Original poster

PatricksRum · 14/09/2020 12:17

@AMemeByAnyOtherName

I'm feeling a lot better than the last couple of days, I really hope you do too *@PatricksRum*

This should cheer you up...

I'm not even half way through the most recently filled thread and the trend words speak volumes.

Look at the biggest words in the middle 🤣🤣🤣🤣

😂😂😂😂😂😂

I see a big "white" and "segregation"

Very interesting. I'm gonna try one out later. I wish there was a way to filter threads the words!

OP posts:

drspouse · 14/09/2020 12:22

I've made wordclouds for work and for a lot of the generators you choose your own words. I can't remember which one we used (it was ages ago).

Good luck with the launch/title/new section also.