Farage’s racism

[CuriousKangaroo]

I haven’t yet seen a post about this story: Twenty people allege he has a racist past. He denies it. Who’s telling the truth about Farage’s schooldays? | Nigel Farage | The Guardian

Farage no longer categorically denies these incidents, and is now trying to fudge things by saying he didn’t mean any harm and it was a long time ago - presumably because he knows it is true and realises that 20 separate people saying it means only the truly deluded wouldn’t believe he was a racist.

But what I am interested in is does this actually assist his election chances? We already know that many of his supporters are racists - does it actually work for him that this blatant racism from him shores up their support? Are they secretly (or perhaps not so secretly in some cases) pleased?

And what do those of you who are Reform supporters but believe yourself not be racist think? Does it make you change your mind about him or Reform?

When I was 10, around the same time he was in secondary school, the girls were changing in a classroom and some boys looked in the window and made horrible taunts and insults - misogynistic in nature. They thought they were funny. I did not and remember it to this day.
Insults and slurs are not jokes and were not jokes in the 70s either.

Thank youI stand corrected i misread something, but still eh !

I am not sure why you keep saying 'as you well know'

There are over 20 people stating the racism, nobody has come forward to say that Farage wasn't doing the things claimed, Farage hasn't exactly denied it either.

11 to 16 years old and 46 years ago. I would still have to say that that is a stretch for me . I don’t really recall the bullies words or actions from school to be honest and I am much younger than 61. I don’t know what automatic false memory of racism syndrome is. I have never heard of that. I suggested the accuser may be bias as he seems left wing. That is reasonable. Not a giant smear and I am baffled how you can know I think farage can do no wrong. I think this is a bit overly dramatic and lacks critical thinking.

Victims of bullying remember. Fear, terror and disgust are powerful emotions.

Their bullies? Not so much.

I'm glad you weren't bullied in your youth.

I was bullied by one girl in 1st and 2nd year seniors (Y7and 8 in new money) I can remember exact details of several encounters. Stressful and unpleasant events imprint on your memory. I could give you exact words and locations. I’m a school year younger than Farage, and these accusations relate to when he was on 6th form, so 5 or 6 years more recent

When 20 people who are the man's contemporaries all say the same thing (and several have been saying it for years but have not been listened to), coming out with apologist smears is a bad look.

Same. It’s 58 years since I was bullied at school and I can remember not only the encounters but the name of the ringleader. I can also picture his face clearly. This stuff never leaves you.

Not forgetting the published letter from the teacher. And the fact that he didn’t deny it.

I am not apologising. I have no idea what really happened. I had a google of the teacher letter and she never met him. Many other teachers and pupils defend him. Late 70's he was between 11 and 15 years old and it was 46 to 50 years ago. I am suggesting that the evidence is ambiguous. I realise that gets you flame grilled for life on Mnet though.

he was between 11 and 15 years old
I'll say it again: it went on until he was 18.

You are defending him though, people from his school days remember this was from 11-18 so not primary school are saying Nigel farage was racist and anti simetic at school.and you are saying well im not sure i believe them! Nigel Farage is still racist. and bigoted so not such a great leap from what people have said.

Ditto. Same time ago also. I remember her clearly, her name was Kaye, she was tall and had acne, and she liked to pick me up by my ponytail.

You don't forget.
Verbal bullying is just as bad and the way those at school with Farage describe their experience of him means it is just as vivid now as it was then.

I don't think that has an awful lot of bearing to be 45 or 50 years ago and isn't for me the main point at all (the main point for me are the allegations and rebuttals on both sides)l, but i can say it again, Late 70's he was between 11 and 15 years old.

You thought it had enough bearing to use it in your argument

It doesn't matter how old he was in the late 70s, people remember him saying racist things until he was 18.

The Guardian published a recollection from a named male teacher at the College, whereas you refer above to a woman. This man said he was young and inexperienced and, essentially, afraid of NF and afraid of making waves.

I too was bullied in Y7. The memory became part of who I am and my bully’s face is seared into my brain. He seems to be a nonentity now. If he were ever in a position of influence and were accused by someone else I hope I would add weight to their testimony. I also hope people would find it reasonable that meanwhile I have chosen to get on with my life.

And I will say it again: it continued until he was 18. And he hasn't denied it or apologised for it, or changed his ways.

Why do.you want to defend this man?

I wonder how much these people have been paid to suddenly remember all this.
Funny isnt it that they all only remembered when Reforms popularity started to rocket due to have a completely tone deaf government in power!!

Nonsense. Contemporaries of NF have been saying this for years.

You do know that NF remembers it too?

Perhaps the prospect of him having a chance of being PM has galvanised people.

I read about this years and years ago - during the Brexit period if I recall correctly, but certainly at least a decade. The scandal is that the press hasn’t picked it up until now. Better late than never, eh? I means, I’m sure you are keen that a racist bully who still thinks the same racist things he did then (he hasn’t denied it or apologised) isn’t allowed to get away with it?
I do think the more serious issue is his Russian links though. They need thorough investigation. He knew Nathan Gill very well - how else did he appoint him head of his party in Wales? I want to know how much he knew about the Russian money and whether he was involved too.

Michael Crick first reported it on C4 in 2013

Its not new news it just wasn't reported so heavily before I guess as its really not a surprise to many people

Being a bully many will feel isn't a bad trait for a future PM to have and many will turn a blind eye to his racism and Farage will absolutely spin this story

I am afraid The Guardian has only caused his supporters to deepen their support for him and those who dislike him to feel more anger.

This is where I feel we so often get it wrong with dealing with Farage, through all this at him and insult him you insult his supporters, you play his game. Its not to say that it shouldn't be reported but keep the focus on his politics and dig up his Russian connections rather than attack him personally, it doesn't work, never has and has the opposite impact I would have hoped by now certain areas of the media would have learnt this as its been clear for years now and this is exactly what has happened to Trump. Stick to pulling apart is policies, the outrage is only to The Guardian's readers and those who despise him anyway