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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be scared to go to work.

60 replies

Sleepgrumpydopey · 23/05/2013 21:22

Finish work late on Saturday and I have to walk to a multi storey car park in bham city centre. Aibu to be scared to walk to car alone as I'm Indian and EDL don't really know the difference and think everyone brown is a Muslim.

OP posts:
ByTheSea · 23/05/2013 21:26

I hate the EDL and am so sorry you are feeling this way.

Fakebook · 23/05/2013 21:27

That's sad. Could you get a male work colleague to walk you to your car?

Original poster
Sleepgrumpydopey · 23/05/2013 21:27

Smile thank you

OP posts:
gordyslovesheep · 23/05/2013 21:28

can you ask a co worker to walk with you? Can you avoid the multi story? Do they have security guards who could escort you?

I am sorry you feel this way xxxx

LEMisdisappointed · 23/05/2013 21:29

Thats awful that you feel that way Sleepgrumpy - I too hate the EDL, in fact, apart from the obvious anger at those utter pigs who did that terrible thing yesterday for what they did, i also feel anger on behalf of he peace loving muslims who will now be fearing retaliation :( Why can't we all just live together in peace, it makes me so sad.

FWIW i don't think that at all, i never really think about peoples religeons.

libertyflip · 23/05/2013 21:30

So sorry you feel this way, would it be worth you speaking to your employer to see if they can do anything to help?

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 23/05/2013 21:31

I am so sorry you feel this way I agree with the others, could a co-worker walk with you?

Original poster
Sleepgrumpydopey · 23/05/2013 21:32

I think I'm just a worrier. Will try and make sure I go with co workers. If not will phone DH all the way to the car.
Thanks for the hand holding though.

OP posts:
Sticklebug · 23/05/2013 21:33

Agree with asking a sturdy (not necessarily male) collegue to walk with. Horrid that you feel like this.

McNewPants2013 · 23/05/2013 21:36

What is EDL.

Would a panic alarm be any use or have 999 on your phone ready just incase.

Hope you can get someone to walk with you.

sweetsummerlove · 23/05/2013 21:42

have been told walking on the phone makes you more vulnerable, I guess because you can't be fully aware of your environment. ...im so sorry you feel this way. You are not overreacting at all. x

MummyCoolski · 23/05/2013 21:45

McNewPants2013 EDL is the English Defence League. Basically racist scumbags whose members are the kind to smash the local takeaway "in retaliation" after a terrorist attack.

SleepyGrumpyDopey you poor love. Please remember that people like that are a minority. Is there a March planned

MummyCoolski · 23/05/2013 21:46

Oops! Is there a march planned for Saturday or is it a general worry?

qualitytoffee · 23/05/2013 21:48

pet, ring work and tell them how you feel, and get someone to be with you xx
Could you get a taxi perhaps?
There'll be loads of police around, but that doesn't excuse your fear bless you xxx

ivanapoo · 23/05/2013 21:48

I think your employer has a duty of care here... Any way you can park closer to work? Or get your husband to meet you with the car at your workplace?

ivanapoo · 23/05/2013 21:49

PS I too am sorry you feel this way, it really angers me.

McNewPants2013 · 23/05/2013 21:50

No wonder you are scared Flowers

NicknameIncomplete · 23/05/2013 21:50

Sleepy that is horrible, i hope u get home safely.

I would keep one hand on my phone & my keys in the other hand. Just incase.

Alicenotinwonderland · 23/05/2013 21:53

So sad that you feel this way when you should feel safe. I did a self defence course and it was excellent. Walking on the phone makes you vulnerable and unable to react quickly. Carry your keys in your hand and (not that anything will happen) should you ever be in the position use your keys or your fingers in any soft spot.

Eyes, soft part of throat, just below the armpit and shout 'Fire' rather than help.

You will never I hope need to do this. Thanks

Oldraver · 23/05/2013 21:54

Isnt it PRIDE this weekend ? I think the city centre will be heaving... obviously dont say where you are but could you park in a different place maybe Arcadian ?

TolliverGroat · 23/05/2013 21:55

If you (or others) work late then your employer should have a risk assessment for late working written and take reasonable steps to mitigate any risks (I was the H&S officer and had to keep ours updated in a previous job). Could be worth talking to whoever is responsible for Health and Safety at your workplace (legally there has to be a named person IIRC).

Sunnywithshowers · 23/05/2013 22:00

Flowers I'm sorry some people are such fucking idiots.

Dawndonna · 23/05/2013 22:08

So sorry that you have to experience this.
Thanks

Original poster
Sleepgrumpydopey · 23/05/2013 22:19

Thanks everyone. I think I'll email work tommorow and see what arrangements there are. I don't think there's a march planned. oldraver thanks for mentioning pride, I'd forgotten all about that. Feel better knowing the city centre will mostly be full of happy people.

Alice some great tips there, thank you.

I shouldn't really be scared as that's what the terrorists want, people like me born here, British through and through feeling unsafe amongst other Brits.

Me and my kids all wear our poppies every year, we are Sikh but celebrate Christmas and Easter too. I hate the thought that when someone sees me they see an immigrant who hates England. This is my home.

OP posts:
NeoMaxiZoomDweebie · 23/05/2013 22:26

Yes HR should be understanding...not that you should be made to feel like this it's utterly shite that you do. Sad