AIBU?
To thinks its not racist to want to leave the EU
PiaMia · 03/08/2015 17:03
I am a eurosceptic, I was called racist by a pro-Eu left winger (on twitter) for saying i think the U.K could trade with the world more instead of the eu. I also said leaving the E.U would mean a complete and equal immigration points based system for the whole world. I also used Greece as an example of the Eu being for big business and anti democratic.
- Im sick of the whole eurosceptic movement being smeared because of the idiots in Ukip.
2. I dont understand how any of what I said was racist.
So what does mumsnet jury think, Aibu.
DadfromUncle · 03/08/2015 17:12
Yanbu it is not racist to wish to leave the EU. It was Labour Policy in the 80s because people like Tony Benn felt it was undemocratic - imagine?
Mrs Thatcher got elected and singed the Treaty Of Rome which paved the way for most of the European integration we have now.
OrangeVase · 03/08/2015 17:15
Of course it isn't racist. Unfortunately so many people have no idea what racism actually is. They throw the term around as the ultimate insult, (thinking it shows how right-on liberal they are themselves!).
Not all of UKIP is racist either.
And not all right wingers are racist/bigotted/ bad.
And not all left wingers are open-minded liberal thinkers who couldn't possibly be racist.
So to some extent, with your defence, and your keenness to distance yourself from others you are falling into the same trap as your accusers.
But no - it isn't racist to think that the EU is probably not the best place for the UK at the moment
AugustHasToBeBetter · 03/08/2015 17:16
Fwiw I think it's become the insult of our days and is rapidly losing power through it's meaning being widened.
Parochial might fit the bill better but I wouldn't personally describe your position so.
I'm undecided on the EU in its present form but in general aim for cooperation in larger units and merging together long term.
MizK · 03/08/2015 17:18
Not racist. I'm in favour of staying with Europe as it happens but can't see how your position is in any way racist.
I agree that UKIP are mainly to blame. Their desire to leave Europe goes alongside the racism of many of their members and supporters so it follows that some might associate the two. It's a lazy assumption but there it is.
I don't trust people whose views all entirely tie in with one political group anyway, so you sound pretty rational (and non prejudiced) to me!
TravellingToad · 03/08/2015 17:31
Not racist at all. It irritates me that when the scots were wanting independence from the UK they were all "proud scots" and people could see they had a point and a good argument for a smaller government and more local ruling.
But now some of us want to leave the EU we certainly aren't called "proud Brits" and commended for our brave desire to go it alone and bring the ruling power back to within the UK.
And then people shout racist?!?
It's just people bitter that they're losing the debate.
pointythings · 03/08/2015 17:40
Not racist at all. Economically illiterate - quite possibly, I don't see how a solo country can compete against international trading blocs, but not racist.
I'll really resent having to pay £1k+ for naturalising (EU immigrant here) but I'll do it if the referendum pans out that way.
bear of course the UK will still be able to trade with the EU. However, they will not be able to do so on current (favourable) terms - it is likely that there will be trade tariffs to pay, and transit of people and goods will be more complex.
That said, I do think the EU has gone too far - the Euro was a huge economic gaffe and as for the whole moving the Parliament to Strasbourg every year just to keep the French happy - words fail.
Capricorn76 · 03/08/2015 18:16
I want to stay in the EU as I think overall it's a good thing but I want to end free movement of labour. I used to support FMoL, however, I fear we are letting in many Eastern European Neo Nazi's.
The system should be refugees and required skilled migrants only. I do not see this as racist.
Doobigetta · 03/08/2015 18:19
Not racist. I do think that a lot of the anti-EU arguments rely on an outdated and unrealistic assessment of the UK's position in the world as a sole trader, though. I wouldn't dream of suggesting that all eurosceptics are racist, but I bet a significant portion of racists are eurosceptic.
pointythings · 03/08/2015 18:49
Sorry, bear. 
The problem I have with 'European Megastate' is that it's part of the anti-european rhetoric to an extent that it has now become a meaningless soundbite. Which bits are Megastate stuff? Most of the Daily Mail stuff about the curvature of bananas and so on is myth, but people believe it. Then there's the fact that the EU has done a lot for the rights of workers - I do not trust this government not to chip away at those things should the UK leave.
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