Worried about the future for my mixed-race children in Britain

[Thinkinboutit]

My children are mixed race (black and white), and lately I’ve found myself feeling genuinely scared about what their future in Britain might look like.

I’m not talking about having different opinions on immigration or border control — people are entitled to those views. What frightens me is the amount of racial division, inflammatory rhetoric and propaganda that seems to be everywhere at the moment, particularly online.

I worry about what happens when that rhetoric filters down into everyday life. I worry about my children going out as they get older and being verbally racially abused — or, worse. I worry about racial slurs becoming more normalised amongst children and being repeated in schools by kids who are absorbing what they’re hearing around them.

No parent should have to wonder whether their child will be treated differently or made to feel that they don’t belong in their own country because they’re mixed race.
Maybe social media is magnifying the worst of it. Maybe we’re living through a particularly polarised period that will eventually settle down. I really hope that’s the case.
But right now, as a mum of mixed-race children, I find the direction and tone of some of the conversation in this country genuinely frightening, and I can’t be the only parent feeling this way

I’d really like to hear how other parents — particularly parents of mixed-race or ethnic-minority children — are feeling about it. ❤️

So how do the racist thugs know who is British born third or fourth generation and who is a recent arrival? They don't. Also, assuming all new arrivals are 'unruly' and badly behaved because of the behaviour of a few is, in itself, racist.

The racists can't tell the difference. FFS there have been cases of turban wearing Sikhs being abused for being Muslim. These people are pigshit ignorant.

My dd (young adult) is mixed race. She did encounter racism at school. She feels extremely alienated by racist rhetoric and the tone of the public debate. She knows that there are some people who don't regard her as welcome in her own country. And that is obviously deeply upsetting.

It's also ridiculous, as she was born here, always lived here and will frankly contribute more to this country in her chosen career as a doctor than many "white British" citizens could ever hope to do.

I'm sorry that I can't be more reassuring to you, OP. I wish I could. But the current situation is shit. Let's hope that it gets better.

It’s absolutely revolting how far back we’ve regressed. What’s the solution I don’t know.

But don’t give more power to these people than they deserve. They’re degenerates.

Some of these posts are heartbreaking.

Trust me, I've seen it on Social Media.

As an example, a news report popped up on my FB feed recently from the Met Police. (I live in Somerset but only moved here from London 2 years ago so still get London news popping up). It was about a young man who was vulnerable due to health issues going missing. He didn't have essential medication with him so there were concerns for his health and safety and the police were asking for help.

He also happened to be Black.

A huge % of the comments were regarding his colour.
'just off the boats I bet' (what a trip from the Embankment to Greenwich?)
'he needs to be deported' (back to where he comes from? That'll be Peckham then)
'hes probably putting his feet up in a hotel at the taxpayers expense' (he's missing, not on holiday)
'any Taylor Swift events anywhere?' (yes of course all people of colour are terrorists)

Any attempt by me or others like me to shut down these disgusting comments were met with contempt and derision. Some people have clearly drank Tommy Robinson and Nigel Farage's koolaid.

I hear you.

To be honest, I believe failed governments are mostly to blame for the racist climate that’s been bubbling away in the UK. Extremely poor immigration and border control has resulted in the general public becoming increasingly angry and resentful. I can’t blame them for how they feel. It doesn’t excuse or justify racist behaviour however.

I’m so sorry to hear this. Do you mind sharing what happened at school and how do you try to protect or she try to protect herself from the vile racist online rhetoric. ? Where do you live?

Before applying to medical school, applicants are supposed to get work experience in medical settings. My dd spent a few days shadowing a local GP. Her single biggest takeaway from the experience was an understanding of just how much racism many of the staff face in their day to day jobs.

She was deeply upset by it, but also inspired by their compassion and their professionalism in spite of the abuse. She saw them rise above it, and aspired to do the same.

She has seen a lot more now, and I would say that her feelings about it are more complex. She feels a lot of anger about it, which I understand.

I have to go out now, but will return with more detail later OP.

That would fly if that rhetoric hadn’t been applied in the media to various “invading” groups of people. It’s cyclical (and constant, just aimed at different groups) rather than a reaction to a one off.

Need to live in London. It the only place I feel safe. Despite the crime. I feel safe me here than when I’ve travelled outside of London. Sorry for people who don’t believe it.

I’m mixed race and have children who are even more mixed. Their school are filled with so many ethnicities and is reflected in their friendship groups.

Sadly you have a valid concern.

One thing that you can do is to vote so that the haters don’t get into elected office.

People are treated differently according to their skin colour.
I was born here , but not white British. I am light skinned and ‘not obviously foreign ‘ ( according to a white British person), hence the level of racism directed at me as a child, was much less than my darker skinned siblings.
I do worry for my husband and son , who are both mixed race, even though we live in an ethnically diverse area in London.
If a right wing government is voted in, we will leave the country.

Governments total lack of investment in our local services, nhs, education systems etc

People are struggling to access basic services but instead of blaming the real cause (useless governments), they think immigration is the problem

Immigrants are propping up our nhs system!! It’d collapse without them

With greater access to information, you’d think people would be a little more clued up than they are 🤷‍♀️