To be really struggling and frightened about the rise of right?

[Rowanhart]

The videos of two young black men being shot by police in US. Polish family having home set on fire here. Spray paint on Docs surgery saying 'EU Rats Go Home'. American man being shouted at on tram. Polish father and son beaten to pulp in street in London. My takeaway driver saying he has been racially abused twice in past two weeks 'Which came as a shock because it hadn't happened before...." Isis killing hundreds of Iraqis.

Trump, Leadsom, fucking Farage. People suddenly thinking it's okay to say stuff like 'They shouldn't be in this school anyway.." on Facebook about immigrant children in kids and grandkids class at primary school. Race baiting MPs prepared to play along with mob for personal gain.

Sharing of Britain First and UKIP anti-immigration filth on social media. Newsnight allowing Neo-Nazis to be interviewed unquestioned. The poor babies of Jo Cox without their mother. Brexit and its unholy shower of shit.

I just want my children to grow up in a tolerant, peaceful, harmonious world. I don't know if I'd have them now. I'm struggling with they way we are going and feel utterly helpless to make any difference.

[user7755]

I was going to say that I'm surprised at the number of people who are in complete denial about how things have changed. But then I thought, of course they will be. The whole problem with all of this mess is that so many people are only thinking about their immediate experience, they aren't looking at the bigger picture. As long as their little life experience isn't affected they consider all in the world to be good.

[LilacSpunkMonkey]

Yeah, alarmists! If I ain't seen it, it ain't real!

At work, on Thursday, a boy in Y5 racially abused a boy in Y3. I'm not going to repeat the phrase he used because it's fucking disgusting. The younger boy was distressed. I was beyond disgusted.

But yes, we're 'imagining' the racism.

[Mrskeats]

You know why they are in denial
Because they voted for this and now want to back away from the disaster
Daily mail today trying to suggest poor rates against the euro are exchange companies ripping us off
I've been teaching Italian kids this week and I've felt ashamed to be British
The country I thought I lived in of smart, tolerant people was clearly in my head

[heyday]

Let's not forget that white, British people living in many parts of the country and especially certain boroughs of London are being racially abused too. My son had a hellish time at secondary school because he was one of the only white kids. White, UK born people are definitely the minority race in my borough but we are not given the benefits or assistance than ethnic minority groups frequently receive. Every one of us deserves a decent, safe life. Sadly though life doesn't always work like that. We have to continue to strive hard for peace and harmony for everyone.

[Mrskeats]

I have no doubt that it works the other way too
However, it's still ridiculous to deny it goes on

[sharknad0]

the number of people who are in complete denial about how things have changed.

don't forget the highest number of people in denial about the racism that has been violent for years! Ask any non white British in London (and other cities), and they will tell you!

Where have you been of these years?

[user7755]

I'm not sure that I understand the point that you're making?

It sounds like you think I'm saying that racism is a new thing, which I am absolutely not.

[OddBoots]

It is alarming rather than alarmist. I disagree with those saying to focus on the good and to ignore the increase in racism and xenophobia - we need to voice it in order to also voice our disapproval. Those involved in this will think that if people look the other way then this is tacit approval and will carry on and escalate the behaviour.

[sharknad0]

It wasn't really directed at you, sorry. It just irrationally annoys me when some people make it sound like we were all happily living in care bear country, with successful, peaceful and merry multiculturalism, but things suddenly changed the day after the referendum.

I haven't got any police statistics, so I don't disagree racism might be worst, but when you have witnessed (or be the victim) or polite racism (and or) violent abuse (and/or) being spat on in the street in the past, you wonder why some people suddenly wake up to the reality of life for non British people here.

[OddBoots]

sharknad0 - maybe it hasn't worsened, maybe people are just noticing it and pointing it out more now - I hope that is the case.

[Dawndonnaagain]

White, UK born people are definitely the minority race in my borough but we are not given the benefits or assistance than ethnic minority groups frequently receive.
White, UK born people? Are they different to non white UK born people, you see, my Mum was white, born in Bournmouth, before the war. but I took after my Grandmother who though born in a British outpost, was Spanish, but I was born in London. Now, the way I see it, I'm no different to you, just a tad olive and probably tan better. I'm entitled to the same benefits as you, not more, not less, the same. Your children however, are far less likely to be arrested than some of those non white UK or non UK born folk. They are far more likely to get a job, qualifications etc. I have a scar on my eyebrow, a dent in my forehead, that was from being in your neighbourhood in the seventies and being the wrong colour. White people gave me that scar. People that are the same as you and I. Your resentment because you perceive others to be in receipt of more, and it is just a perception, is racist.

[BertrandRussell]

"White, UK born people are definitely the minority race in my borough".

Figures, please?

[GarlicStake]

Blowing, did you just call Tony Blair 'far left'??!!

Dawndonna - I'm your age. I am very much not looking forward to living through all that again. Please remember this is not most people. Just the loudest, rudest and least intellectually able. Most people will stand by you - don't be afraid to ask them to literally stand by you, if you need it.
Hope you never do,

[GiddyOnZackHunt]

I agree with the pp who asked whether you're doing anything to oppose the right wing. While decent people do nothing it allows the far right a voice to spread hate. The referendum vote seems to have given legitimacy to views that have been kept hidden. So it hasn't created racism but it's given racists confidence.
I hold out hope that this episode of far right visibility will be given as little credence as Moseley's BUF in the 30s, a time when casual racism was more widespread. Britain doesn't seem to like far right politicians thank goodness.
However sitting and bemoaning it is so much indulgent navel gazing unless you intend to do something about it.

[GiddyOnZackHunt]

Oh and Dawn fancy swinging by for a cuppa again this year? I promise to be more organised this time :)

[pointythings]

Giddy I have lost a few 'friends' over my habit of opposing racist and right wing views. No great loss in the end, clearly these people were not friends.

[GiddyOnZackHunt]

Ah yes me too. I've gaped like a stunned fish at one or two people!

[Dawndonnaagain]

Giddy I would be honoured, pm me dates. Oh, and dd's boyfriend has a summer job working in the ice-cream parlour on the pier, we'll introduce you so that you can get cheapies

[Dawndonnaagain]

Garlic, thank you.

[Whinyleonard]

My Iraqi relatives, like millions of others are still struggling to live with the consequences of your left wing government. The few who haven't died that is.
I think this op is alarmist and selfish. What actually has changed in their life? I suspect not much or they wouldn't have time to make a drama out of things that mainly haven't happened yet.

[dailymaillazyjournos]

it's alarming. And it's not alarmist.
YY there has always been racism. Now though, it''s as if the leave vote has given every racist a mandate to verbally and physically abuse those who aren't 'white British.'

I am white British. I am also Jewish (albeit an atheist). I don't look 'British' whatever that means. Neither does dd or dsil or dgd. I've experienced anti-semitic abuse over the years. Sometimes blatant, sometimes more subtle. I have friends who are Muslim and friends who are Eastern European and we are all feeling increasingly uncomfortable and wary. DD no longer wears the little Star of David necklace she has. But she can't disguise the fact that she looks distinctly 'Un-English', any more than I or the rest of my family can. I am scared for everyone who looks or sounds 'foreign'. This result has set us back decades and given a voice to nationalism.

It's ok to say "Get a grip" etc. I imagine (though could be wrong), that the person saying that, doesn't stand out in terms of appearance and/or accent.

I am signing every petition going, I will challenge any racism I come across on my own and others behalf, and carry on believing that the majority of people in this country are genuinely accepting, fair and good.