I don't want to clap

[OrlandoAlice]

I do support the NHS, I'm massively grateful for everything NHS workers are doing at the moment and to everyone who still has to get up and go out to work and keep things going during this crisis. However the clapping just seems a bit pointless to me. As a one off it was fine but to make it a weekly thing feels forced and I resent feeling emotionally blackmailed into doing something so redundant. The Doctors and Nurses I know personally find it cringy and would rather people follow the advice, donate, or volunteer.

[Gwynfluff]

I think the NHS situation is about to dramatically deteriorate and staff are going to be massively impacted and have to make shitty decisions everyday that may haunt them later. I’m going to clap. But there are always different ways to mark things. If someone told me to ‘pray’ for the NHS workers - I wouldn’t be doing that at all.

[Glittercandle]

My mums house, and her neighbours, has a tiny front garden, People on her street were within a meter of each other when clapping - thankfully my mum just stood inside her house at her window as it seems a weekly way to spread the virus!

[WeBuiltCisCityOnSexistRoles]

Seeing members of the government clapping whilst their ineptitude in securing testing and PPE for NHS staff who are risking their lives, is fucking painful to watch.

The thought of hearing people clap who have voted for the Conservatives and have been complicit in the decimation of the NHS and other vital services including social care, is also fucking painful and also infuriating.

To me, it's virtue signalling whilst making it all about yourself in a comparable way to shaving your head for charity (I know some people don't agree with that view though).

You would think it impossible for someone to pat themselves on the back whilst simultaneously clapping, but some knobheads manage it.

If people want to show their support for the NHS they should campaign accordingly, show their support by not being dicks to the staff, don't use it needlessly and vote for parties that will fund it. I also think it's good for people to write nice cards and give biscuits/coffee/tea after hospital stays but that's perhaps not a priority at the moment.

(I don't work in the NHS btw but I use it and appreciate it)

[MarshaBradyo]

Morris I did think it far better than I anticipated last time.

Still not sure on every week. Maybe it will still work well.

[Beepboop22]

Haven't RTFT but 8 is an odd time to do it as well, kids are asleep and if you live somewhere fairly populated, it's loud enough to wake them -especially if you've got neighbours who think hopping in your car and beeping your horn for the duration of the clapping is an okay thing to do-

[Alsohuman]

I'd much rather people voted for a political party that properly supports the nhs

That option isn’t available right now.

[JudgeRindersMinder]

I think it’s extremely patronising. As an emergency services worker at 8pm tonight I’ll be trying to grab a nap before nightshift, I’d rather they kept quiet tonight!

[WeBuiltCisCityOnSexistRoles]

Yes I absolutely agree with a concerted effort concentrated in a different way would be much more effective.

I'd like to lean out of my window and shout "campaign for fucking funding then" but I wouldn't as I wouldn't want to wake sleeping DC.

Seriously, writing to your MP and the health secretary/other MPs as PP said is a much better and meaningful use of time and probably more appreciated by NHS staff, I would imagine.

[WeakandWobbly]

YANBU. The NHS workers cannot see you, and as a retired medic I agree about the cringeworthiness. I think it is more for the benefit of community spirit, seeing people at their doorsteps waving to each other and making some noise! Personally, I'd rather light a candle every night in my porch and pray for the leaders, the country and every single person who is either worrying about or has lost a loved one.

[MashedSpud]

If everyone donated £1 rather than clapping maybe the nhs could afford proper ppe and testing kits.

[Popc0rn]

Sums it up really. I work for the NHS and found the clapping last week embarrassing as I am so stressed about going to work right now, I don't want to be there and feel like a coward.

But it's nice that it makes people feel less alone.

[LesLavandes]

You non clappers are stiff and uptight British.

Do what you like but don't moan about it.

I will clap but I won't be involved with neighbours. My neighbours and myself will be keeping a good distance.

Just chill out you clapping haters and leave the clappers alone.

Wish I lived in a country with people more comfortable in their own skin

[Glenthebattleostrich]

The people near me are virtue signalling wankers. They popped out to say thank you to the bin men. I was putting rubbish out and had a nice chat, as usual. The binmen were laughing because the idiot who came out has put in numerous unfounded complaints.

I'll stick to doing actual useful things like phoning my old lady who used to live close by for our 5 minutes chat and so she can say goodnight to my daughter.

Shopping for people, dropping gloves off at the residential home nearby for the staff etc. And I say this not to be all look how awesome I am. I've always volunteered because it makes the world a nicer place if you can make one other persons day better.

[ShortyFortyFatty]

YANBU

I'll be asleep as have a shift at 2am. Low risk in a supermarket, but I still think NHS will prefer I have adequate sleep before driving.

Local FB groups were awash with street shaming wrt to no clapping last week and everyone seemed to claim they were the only one. One NHS worker very upset no one in her road had clapped.

My kids won't be clapping either as will upset next doors dogs and possibly wake me up.

There's also been a request for wear red for NHS researchers on Friday and uploading a selfie to show you support.

I think it was well-intentioned, but is fast turning into another source of shaming.

[Sunflower1987]

I have to say (as a nurse) that last week it was lovely to hear all the clapping. We sat out in the front garden with a glass of wine, and it was lovely to hear the clapping and cheering. I felt a real sense of pride. I feel entirely uncomfortable with the idea of doing it weekly and I’m not sure why. I think something about it feels quite fake and for show.
I would support the idea of a round of cheering and applause for all to mark the end but weekly, no thank you.

[Sunshineafterrain24]

There are way too many people judging others right now.
It feels like we are walking on egg shells. People misinterpreting what others are saying and snapping at them because they see things differently.
Kindness goes way further than cruel words.

[Lweji]

I was so lifted my this I decided to fling open my window and clap too. The few cars in the street joined in by tooting. It was an absolutely glorious moment, I'll never forget it.

Yes, it's more of a feel good community exercise, isn't it?

It's an excuse, but most people need one to feel in touch with other people.

I'm not clapping, but I can understand why many people need to.

[Anon3214w]

I agree it’s really cringey if done weekly. I’m glad you posted this as I can get off my chest other things that are cringing me out! idiots on social media posting ridiculous video - there was one a family with ties around their heads banging pots and pans width caption “just morning routing with family”. I’m finding so many things cringe right now and usually don’t

[GoldenKelpie]

Don't do it, then. It isn't compulsory.

Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see neighbours around the street and wave and shout to them. Made me feel part of something and less isolated for a moment.

I am a SfLA in Scotland (TA in England, I think) who is on a rota to man one of the hub schools being kept open for emergency and core workers throughout this ordeal including the Easter holidays. I don't need clapping for that any more than other people who are working to keep things going.

I will be standing on my step tonight clapping for about a minute or two, waving and communicating from afar with others in my street. What is the harm in doing that? Oh, and I don't 'drive anywhere' or 'shop daily' as someone upthread commented (pull up those judgey-pants now).

[Anon3214w]

*routine not routing

[CaptainMyCaptain]

It's not compulsory.

[MrsDoylesTeaBags]

YANBU, as a one off to draw attention to NHS workers, carers and support worker and other front line staff it was nice but as other posters have commented what they really need is PPE, food while they're on their breaks (I didn't realise some HCP can't even access food and drink during their breaks) and safe transit to and from work.

I've just been furloughed and was watching TV this morning later than I normally do and I noticed that there is a lot of virtue signalling and self promotion going on at the moment masquerading as news. Probably always has been I've just not paid that much attention to it before but I found it quite nauseating.

[Hollyhead]

Agree, if people really cared about the NHS they would get off their backsides, exercise and eat more healthily.

[willdoitinaminute]

Sunflower I agree. I’m saving the clapping for when it’s all over. If everyone sticks to the plan then we will all deserve a round of applause. However I am saving up rotten fruit to throw at the neighbours who have not stuck to the plan.

[BovaryX]

I think it’s extremely patronising. As an emergency services worker at 8pm tonight I’ll be trying to grab a nap before nightshift, I’d rather they kept quiet tonight!

It's interesting how many NHS workers on this thread have stated they find the noise stressful, especially if they are trying to sleep before a shift. I am not in the UK, but it strikes me that this is more about for the benefit of those clapping than the intended object of the applause.