To timidly suggest that Nigel Farage is not a racist

[Millyonthefloss]

Can I just start by saying that I am not a racist. Thanks.

This is my AIBU.

Lots of people on mumsnet say Farage is a racist.

But this is what I think.

He is a geezer. He is a city boy. He smokes. He wears dodgy coats. He looks weird. He says non PC things, like my FIL does. He doesn't like overcrowding and change.

But I am beginning to think that he is not a racist.

What he is in fact is a man with an absolute obsession with British parliamentary democracy and an absolute hatred of EU waste, extravagance and unaccountability. He is totally obsessed with getting the UK out of the EU and independent again.

He is enraged and infuriated by the wasteful things the EU does like moving the EU Parliament from Strasbourg to Brussels all the time and wasting millions and millions of British taxpayers money that could be spent in his beloved UK.

I don't even think he is that interested in immigration.

But he is so obsessed with his aim of UK independence that he will work with anyone. So when free movement of labour became the big issue - years after he started his campaigns - he was willing to embrace it. And there have therefore been racists in UKIP. He is not choosy.

But I don't think Farage himself is a racist.

He seems to be genuinely delighted now that he can stand on a platform with Kwasi Kwateng or Frank Field.

He does his weird grin when he is with people like them.

All he wants is UK independence.

What do you think? AIBU?

[LaserShark]

Racism isn't just believing in white supremacy. It's discriminating against people in a plethora of ways, some overt and some very subtle and insidious. Look at the difference recently exposed when people googled 'white teenagers' and 'black teenagers' (the discrepancy has now been addressed but it was pretty shocking).

OP, I'm not sure what you mean when you say 'he does his weird grin when he is with people like them'?

[Kelandry]

Yes, let's subtly blur the line between racist, and xenophobic.....then it's just a small step to being able to label anyone who disagrees with the European migration problem as racists thus cutting down any debate.

[squoosh]

No, he's not racist. Not many people really are these days

That's one of the most idiotic things I've ever read on MN. And that's really saying something.

[lljkk]

I don't agree with NF but I don't think he's racist, either. Touch xenophobe, mind (which is not same to me as racist).

[nauticant]

If a "non-racist" uses racist language to promote his aims, arguing he's not a racist is making a distinction without a difference.

[Kelandry]

I think there is a difference between racism, stigma, and stereotypes. But, the battle cry of 'RACIST' is too good for the left to give up. There's no counter argument once you've been branded a racist.

[eatsleephockeyrepeat]

Racist is as racist does I'm afraid. And many of the things he supports and promotes are racist at their core. Whatever his personal attributes his actions speak more about him. So in my opinion he amounts to a racist.

[QueefRichards]

It's not just lefties who think that Farage is an odious little man, you know.

[Boomingmarvellous]

I want to hate him but actually find when I listen he is quite likeable and sensible. Bit like Boris Johnson.

What has he said that is truly racist? Any links please?

[Millyonthefloss]

OP, I'm not sure what you mean when you say 'he does his weird grin when he is with people like them'?

I've just noticed that he looks all pleased when he's got people of integrity - standing up with him - almost on his side - on the telly. He grins. It must have been a bit lonely campaigning on his own for so long (or just with a ragbag of UKIP nutters).

[squoosh]

He seems to be genuinely delighted now that he can stand on a platform with Kwasi Kwateng or Frank Field.

He does his weird grin when he is with people like them.

So his weird grin when around non white people is proof he's not racist? May I timidly suggest you're talking nonsense?

[squoosh]

Christ.

[disappoint15]

You are being unreasonable to pretend that you are saying this 'timidly'. You are clearly a massive Farage supporter. I disagree with almost all he says and stands for and I don't know whether he is actually racist but some of his statements suggest it to me.

[Motheroffourdragons]

Who are these people of integrity standing up with him?

[IronCurtain]

I am Romanian. He said, publicly:

"I would not want to live on the same street as a Romanian".

Can anyone on this thread who supports Farage please explain to me how a) that is not a xenophobic statement and b) if they agree with it, how I am supposed to not be offended by that statement?

Thanks!

[eatsleephockeyrepeat]

I want to hate him but actually find when I listen he is quite likeable and sensible

Likeable, sensible and charming individuals can uphold some truly terrible ideals; not limited to Farage but look back across history. Awful things have been done by very relatable and personable characters - in fact they wouldn't have been able to garner such support if they didn't have redeeming characteristics.

[HeartsofOak]

Lots of assertions, ..... but sadly no evidence. Usual mn standard of debate then. Puerile.

[Motheroffourdragons]

I don't think the likes of Frank Field will be too happy that you think he is on the same side. He might be for this, but for entirely different reasons than Farage.

[gingerboy1912]

I dont think he is racist but I do think he has xenophobic attitude.
To be racist he would have to hate or show discrimination towards Lenny Henry the comedian/actor as an example who is British and black. That is different to xenophobia.

[Tryingtosaveup]

He's not racist and he is right. I agree with him.

[JeanGenie23]

Having a German wife doesn't mean anything other than he is a hypocrite.

Having thought more about this I am sure he is racist. Just because he doesn't openly use horrific terms, doesn't mean that he doesn't hold those beliefs. He operates at a level that is socially acceptable, people who don't like to say they are racist, but actually are, love him. He gives a platform for ignorance. He makes my skin crawl

[Millyonthefloss]

Squoosh. May I timidly suggest that you have no idea who Frank Field is.

He is an old white man. (No offence to old white men.)

[blackbirdmilkshake]