Mumsnet “norms” that annoy you most

[usernamechanged1]

For me it’s the utterly obscure baby names. We’ve all seen them and I’m quite sure nobody uses them in real life. Yet on MN, it’s apparently standard.

Honourable mention to the 50% of posters whose husbands are earning upwards of £100K too.

But if you don't do this, you get attacked for drip feeding 🤷🏼‍♀️

LTB

Terminate

I think there is a time and a place for the debate. For example, if a Christian such as myself commented some of my (very traditional, counter cultural) views, I fully expect some kind of pushback. I understand why some non believers think differently to me and get some of their arguments, having been a non believer myself at a certain point. I would be incredibly naive to post on Mumsnet that I have defer to my husband or believe that abortion is wrong, for example, without expecting a response. I know my views are in the minority and it would be disingenuous to appear shocked in that instance.

However, if I posted something along the lines of 'has anyone any ideas for some nice craft activities for children to do at our Christmas nativity celebration in Church?', I don't (well, didn't, I do now!) all of the 'You do realise that Christmas is actually a reappropriation of an ancient Pagan festival and that Jesus wasn't actually born in December and brainwashing/Egyptian god/paedophiles?????'

Um OK, maybe we'll just make a star, thanks 🤔

Sorry for all the typos, have been seriously sleep deprived this week!

MNer who ticks off Random Man in the supermarket checkout queue. Knows exactly what to say, including spur of the moment witty retorts

Then gets applauded by the entire supermarket and carried out to their car by two hunks with stars in their eyes.

@Softsoftsleep I completely agree with you if you’re asking about a craft activity people should not be attacking you for your religion - you aren’t on trying to convert people just asking a basic question.

Wish there was more respect and tolerance, without all the nastiness and one view rules all. People have all sorts of religions, cultural beliefs, lifestyles, sexual preferences etc It isn’t anyone else’s business to come in and dictate how others should be living their lives.

Honestly, it would be like a complete stranger coming into your home and telling you your decor, way of bringing up your children, lifestyle and job are all rubbish - change everything!

@Robinni

'People have all sorts of religions, cultural beliefs, lifestyles, sexual preferences etc It isn’t anyone else’s business to come in and dictate how others should be living their lives.'

The whole point of religion is to dictate how others live their lives.

Do you feel the same way about the laws of this country?

@Botw1 I don’t really agree. There is a real sense of community, love and faith, decency, caring about the world and trying to help others. It’s a real source of comfort and guidance - I do not know where I would have been without faith/church members when bereaved. And I have confidence my DC are being taught good morals and behaviour, well mannered and respectful of others and themselves. I trust that faith will give them hope, solace and a point to begin from in times of need.

There is a difference between someone deciding they want to go to church/temple/mosque etc and follow a specific religion. And people uninvolved with no connection muscling in and shouting the odds. Goodness knows why they want to tear something down that has no relevance to their life.

Live and let live. I’m not hugely religious but I do have respect. We can agree to disagree about what the point of religion is.

Only those people who choose of their own free will to follow that religion. If you’re not one of those people the impact on your life is zero.

@Robinni

Religions don't live and let live.

The pope wouldnt even let condom use be taught in Africa for ffs

Never mind the inherent mysoginy and homophobia in most religions.

They have literal rule books.

@Villssev

Sorry I dont understand the question.

@Blossomtoes

Of course religion impacts non religious people's lives.

Especially in less secular countries.

You think religion has no impact on the lives of women in Afghanistan or America?

I’ve come across two (so far) in threads today that have been mentioned on here. The word ‘vanishingly’ has been used and someone berating an OP (in a lighthearted thread) that she should be thankful that at least her dad is still here.

Those things can be debated in an intelligent fashion. There’s no need for the snide mockery and sneering often seen here. None at all. The fact is that there is no impact on the life of someone who lives in the UK from other people’s religion.

@Blossomtoes

It affects lots of things in the UK.

Holidays, laws, education.

Explain 'something' to me like I'm 5.

@Botw1 Pope Benedict had an issue with condom use as a means to prevent AIDs transmission in Africa in 2009 and received widespread criticism; he backtracked in 2010 and supported their use in “exceptional circumstances”, as Pope Francis continues to do now. I believe he said something along the lines of lack of housing and food were bigger battles for the church to be focused on.

I’m obviously not going to get you to change your opinion, nor are you going to get me to renounce my religious beliefs. Be happy and have a great day 👍

Please explain this to me. Because apart from Easter and Christmas - which are pretty much secular these days - I can’t see where you’re going with this. And, however good an argument you might produce, it doesn’t excuse disrespecting other people’s religious beliefs.

@Robinni

I havent asked you to renounce your beliefs lol

I'm just pointing out the hypocrisy in saying live and let live

@Blossomtoes

Disrespect is subjective

Where I'm going is to tell you that you're wrong

Religion impacts everyone.

So, do me the favour of explaining how. Because other people’s religious beliefs have zero impact on my life.

@Blossomtoes the main religion in the U.K. is Christianity about 60% of people. Hence, most school hols are based around Christian festivals as this is the majority of people. However, as a lot of fun things are usually on around these times it shouldn’t really inconvenience non-religious folk too much. If a child goes to a faith school the timing and duration of holidays can vary and be more focused around the festivals of that particular religion.

And disrespect is not subjective. Talk about “sky fairies” and “imaginary friends” is just fucking rude.

The whole foundation of our society is built upon Christian morality and doctrine. Everything from our legal system to our medical care to our schools EVERYTHING is founded in our Christian heritage. Religion isn't just going to church on a Sunday, eating a wafer and having a slug of wine.