Riots causing me (Muslim female) anxiety.

[Mavan1984]

I am a Muslim hijab wearing woman (born and brought up in this country). I have 3 kids under the age of 16 and the riots are causing me a great deal of anxiety. Me and dh had planned to take the kids out this weekend but we cancelled because we didn't think it was safe. I feel like we are better off just staying at home throughout the summer to protect ourselves and the kids.

I have had racist comments made at me before, but I don't want my kids to experience this. I feel like the rioting will empower others to be openly racist. I experienced this when 9/11 happened and I am just so scared because this time it feels a lot worse.

Me and dh were born to immigrant parents who worked very hard in menial jobs to educate us. We both have professional careers, but at this moment in time I feel like none of this matters and we are being attacked. Will it get any better? How can I protect my family?

A lot of my Muslim friends are feeling the same and it feels as though we have a very bleak future in this country.

Very scary indeed.

I'm really sorry OP, it must feel like a living nightmare.

Your fears are totally valid, and I'm also sorry that your thread has been derailed.

The behaviour of these thugs is utterly contemptible.

Thanks to everyone for your kind words. I am truly touched.

I went to my local supermarket today but felt like I was on high alert the whole time.

My DH's friend who is a barrister had racist abuse hurled at him whilst he was out jogging earlier on today. I've decided to stop going for walks until the situation settles down.

I hope he reported it. It is really important that every racist incident is reported

Yes he did indeed. He is normally a very strong personality but it's really shaken him up.

It is disgusting . No one should have to feel like that . I am hoping and praying it settles down soon and we can all get back to normal life as are we all of course or at least the vast majority who abhor this behaviour. Hope your friend doesnt have any more incidences.

and this is the problem.

This kind of racist verbal abuse had become socially unacceptable in Britain over the last 30 years and now people are feeling empowered to be openly racist again.

I hate it. I feel like Britain just went back 50 years 😞

really ! I feel the opposite. When I was a young child it was normalised even in tv comedies and my husband who was born here was called an Irish bastard by neighbours on his council estate. etc . People were openly hostile to people of different cultures ime.
I feel like it is much more frowned upon on to say anything these days and rightly so.

Yeah well all that just changed in the last 7 days in many places didn't it.

possibly at least for a little while but I think people are more accepting and tolerant overall than they used to be and current generations have grown up.in more diverse communities so .hopefully once this all calms down sanity will be restored. .This is not the first time we have seen.rioting due to racial tensions and I don't believe all progress has been undone in a few days by a v small minority of people with extreme views.

I really hope not flapjack

Oh shut up!

Go for a walk. Don’t let the thought of some pathetic little loser stop you.

It’s really important not to inconvenience yourself because of idiots in this life. None of us would ever leave the bed if we gave in.

Hoping that you are feeling reassured by the reports and pictures of thousands and thousands of people on our streets up and down the country protesting against racist thugs. That’s what the UK is 😃

Thanks, it was so heartening to see the photos from last night. I spent yesterday preparing and expecting for the worst of the riots but the show of unity left me in tears. I really can't describe how wonderful it felt to see the pictures of the thousands of anti-racism protestors, it really restored my faith in humanity and made me so proud that Britain is my home.

It was amazing to see the positive power of people last night. There is no place for Islamaphobia, Antisemitism or Racism in the UK.

Oh I’m glad @Mavan1984 im glad Britain is your home too.

we are a much much better and interesting society with all of us in so many ways.

iv been thinking about you and your family.

please keep remembering that the reality is you are part of this country you are wanted here and the majority of us are incandescent with rage and shame at the people who are involved in this disgusting behaviour. They do not and never will speak for us!