to think my neighbour might wise to remove his flag?

[IamMrsElf]

I just think in the current climate that it might be ill advised to fly a Polish flag.

I'm not against national pride and patriotism. I don't particularly like seeing the St George's cross - unless it's St George's day.

I just think it might not be a good idea at the moment. Am I being a twat?

Especially considering all the UKIP fans out there...

Why is it I'll advised? I don't understand.

Do you live in an area where there are thugs who may use it as an excuse to treat him badly?

Argh - these are the sorts of questions that are upsetting me (not you upsetting me, btw!) I don't want to live in a country where people can't fly their national flag without fear of recriminations.

My worst thought of the day: coalition government in 2015 between Conservatives and UKIP

I don't want him to make himself a target. There are a few unsavoury characters about - as I'm sure there are everywhere. There does seem to be a very anti-Polish feeling in our local area at the moment and this only seems to be growing. I'm not suggesting he hide away but I'm just worried that people will be dicks.

That's his lookout, isn't it?

Me too Elle - I don't think there should be an issue around it, but there just seems to be a growing anger out there.

Why is he flying it and for how long?

Good point ouryve. I just wonder as I look out there.

I'm hearing more anti Eastern European rhetoric (we have a mix of folk, not just Polish in our neck of the woods) than I did a few years back. Had sharp words with DDs friend a week or so ago, who's a sensible, thoughtful lass on the whole, about not generalising - she was saying that town was a lot less safe at night due to the fear of assault from Eastern Europeans. No evidence whatsoever to support this, makes me very that it's getting more common the express these sorts of views.

It was up a few weeks ago and then all the UKIP campaigning started and he took it down. Now it's up again...

People do seem to think it's ok to be anti-Eastern European - that's not racist, type attitude.

she was saying that town was a lot less safe at night due to the fear of assault from Eastern Europeans Tell her she would be speaking German now if it wasn't for brave, wonderful men like my Polish grandfather who died over France defending Great Britain after his own country fell. This should be taught in schools at the moment.

Good point, well made. We certainly should be educating the young to help them to understand the complex nature of our history, all of the players and contributors. It might help combat negative attitudes.

MrsTP - that was one of the things I told her!

Part of the reason I was so shocked was that she's a thoughtful, intelligent girl, with considered opinions. I hated to see her mindlessly parroting some bigoted trash. I told her that as well...

He sounds sensible then Elf

I like seeing all the flags displayed, but only for legit reasons not just to be a goady twat.

If he's already had it up and not had any problems he should be fine.

Was wondering whether to click on this thread or not (NI - flags or rather 'flegs' are v touchy subject lol)

I think it's their own choice to 'take a risk' if there are volatile emotions in the area. Given the strife here caused by flegs of the native communities a Polish flag would be a welcome diversion!

Elle i understand totally tho personally I have more issues with my DS forming judgements based on the amount of rubbish left by not Polish, they have been lovely immigrants near us, even after attempts to garner better relations via local support groups for newcomers :(

Good point Max.

I will pack up my worrying for now. Actually, right now, I'm more worried about the fact that it's gone quiet and the DCs are not asleep...what trouble is waiting???

Generalisations about an entire race/nationality/ethnicity of people based on the actions of some give me the rage under any circumstances. I just don't understand why people think it's ok to do it. The extrapolation of that PoV is ludicrous.

I think I was particularly worried because we've had the UKIP car driving round telling us to vote for them and because when we bought the house, the people selling it kept banging on about the amount of Polish people there were on some of the new housing estates in the area and all the problems they are causing. I just felt like there was a negativity there.

I love a little soapbox moment Elle, you carry on!!

Nah, I'll stop. I can really wind myself up about it and it's pointless

I'm going to go back into the lovely sun in my lovely garden to think serene thoughts!

Ohh now there is a plan, I can see the sun shining in, actually that is where the DCs are, so I will join them in the sandpit and think happy thoughts!

I imagine the sort of person to cause problems for your neighbour based on his nationality would be too thick to spot his flag as Polish anyway (off to google Polish flag)

I have to say I get pretty sick of it. Obviously, people don't know I have Polish heritage (no accent, although I look pretty Polish) so their gums flap a lot. I had one friend who went on and on about the 'Poles' and I was saying "I'm part Polish" every time he stopped for breath. He just carried on until I summoned the wrath of MN and said, "don't believe everything you read in the fucking Daily Fail".

Everyone, stop being in the sun and thinking serene thoughts. You've got me all annoyed now.