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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be shocked at casual open racism

119 replies

WanderingFairy · 08/02/2017 19:31

Our having quiet dinner and some precious me time whilst DH spends bonding evening with DS. Greying couple in their 60s sitting next to me discussing all sorts of topics. Elderly gentleman makes casual disparaging comment about Muslims then brushes it over and starts talking about something else.

I'm shocked and saddened that racism is so acceptable and commonplace now. All muslims are evil, backwards etc and it's fine to make sweeping statements about an entire community. Has it come to this that we are so openly hostile and hateful?

OP posts:
Allthebestnamesareused · 08/02/2017 19:33

Unfortunately the voices of SOME Brexit leavers and SOME Trump supporters are now no longer afraid to say what they think out loud as it has become "normalised".

If I hear or see anything on my social media I will call people out. Even my Ohio based Trump voting mother who seems to think that muslims/refugees/terrorists are interchangeable terms!!!

JenniferYellowHat1980 · 08/02/2017 19:38

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JenniferYellowHat1980 · 08/02/2017 19:39

not have

Original poster
WanderingFairy · 08/02/2017 19:47

Oh God the man next to me has now started about the Germans!

OP posts:
user892 · 08/02/2017 19:56

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user892 · 08/02/2017 19:57

Actually, not sure how 'casual' my examples are!

ArmySal · 08/02/2017 20:00

Has it come to this that we are so openly hostile and hateful?

We?! Some people, from all countries, different colours, different religions, are racist stereotypers. You get dickheads in all walks of life.

Between4and30characters · 08/02/2017 20:05

2 minutes for a reply mentioning Brexit. Good to see you're really concerned about fighting racism allthebest and not just wanting to stoke up a bit more anti-leaver hatred.

Between4and30characters · 08/02/2017 20:06

And yes, OP, I'm seeing a lot more open hostility and hatred in this country.

PigletWasPoohsFriend · 08/02/2017 20:06

Unfortunately the voices of SOME Brexit leavers and SOME Trump supporters are now no longer afraid to say what they think out loud as it has become "normalised".

You know how they voted and that they are Trump supporters then? Wow.

LaContessaDiPlump · 08/02/2017 20:07

My good friend at uni once said 'He's short-changed me! Thieving Arab!' She apologised once I pointed out that I was half Syrian though Hmm tbf I think she honestly hadn't registered the racism.

Others have, and use it intentionally. Sad times.

Jayfee · 08/02/2017 20:08

wouldnt a fly on the wall documentary in homes from dfferent cultures be interesting. I think Armysal is spot on.

WorraLiberty · 08/02/2017 20:09

The man starting on about the Germans. Is he the same 'elderly greying man in his 60s', or a different one?

Racism is no more acceptable and commonplace now, than it was in the past.

Sadly, it's not a particularly new thing, so yes YABU to sound so shocked about it really.

Scrumple · 08/02/2017 20:11

Sorry for being pedantic, but it's not technically racism as Islam isn't a race. Not quite sure what the term is though ... bigot?

But i completely agree about how some things are said so openly. I was in a taxi earlier and for the whole 15 minute journey the driver was going on and on about Brexit and how happy he was that those foreigners can't come here anymore to steal his houses and his jobs. Then finished by telling me he's retiring soon and planning to move to Spain with his wife!

Most of the people i've encountered who spout such rubbish are seriously narrow minded, lacking in intelligence, empathy and imagination.

MadameCholetsDirtySecret · 08/02/2017 20:12

Bigots come in all shapes and sizes.

limitedperiodonly · 08/02/2017 20:12

Are you going to challenge them or are you posting on MN for approval OP?

Go on, give it a go. As they're greying, I don't imagine they'd be that much of a threat.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 08/02/2017 20:21

I'm not sure I like the idea of a greying man in his 60's being called 'elderly'. Isn't that ageism OP?

Original poster
WanderingFairy · 08/02/2017 21:51

Errrr elderly is not abusive nor ageist - it's an observation

OP posts:
Original poster
WanderingFairy · 08/02/2017 21:52

We live in a free country where people can say whatever they like so no I'm not going to ruin my relaxing precious me time by having a debate with a stranger

OP posts:
Ankleswingers · 08/02/2017 21:54

I tend to agree with WorraLiberty on this.

SalemSaberhagen · 08/02/2017 21:57

MN isn't your best audience for this. Racism doesn't exist according to some posters.

YANBU OP.

ForalltheSaints · 08/02/2017 21:58

To the person who has a GP as an ex-relative who uses racist language- if you have any evidence which would support this as being in public, then a complaint should be made.

Between4and30characters · 08/02/2017 21:59

I'm not going to ruin my relaxing precious me time by having a debate with a stranger

Actually, that is what you are doing Grin

MongerTruffle · 08/02/2017 21:59

Sorry for being pedantic, but it's not technically racism as Islam isn't a race. Not quite sure what the term is though ... bigot?

Scientists established a while ago that there is no such thing as a race (in the traditional meaning).

www.huffingtonpost.com/craig-considine/muslims-are-not-a-race_b_8591660.html

OopsDearyMe · 08/02/2017 22:00

When I was a dinner lady I stopped two asian girls in year two, they we're arguing about who was right, nothing strange right about what? Oh why Christians are so evil?