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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think the talk of so many NHS clappers is mostly down and out lies?

306 replies

TheUndo · 02/04/2020 20:10

I missed it last time but gave it the benefit of the doubt. Until Tonight. I listened closely outside at 8 and did not hear a single clap in my area. Also, on Channel 4 news it was showing people clapping and it was literally only a few people clapping, very unenthusiastically and slowly and even sarcastically, I hasten to add. I’m not saying it’s not a “thing” but to claim it’s all “up and down the country” no it’s not, loads of people don’t give a damn. I wonder at all the stories shared by MNers about entire streets coming out to clap and wonder where they live where this happens as everyone that replies seem to agree

OP posts:
SkiingIsHeaven · 03/04/2020 00:32

We did. North West.

It was a good chance to check on and chat to the neighbours after it had finished, as well.

ChickLitLover · 03/04/2020 00:33

On a group someone was so annoyed that a beggar had taken her discarded coffee out of the bin and drank it! she now makes sure she pours her left overs down the drain first. The person has a Support the NHs banner on her profile picture. I don’t believe this person can actually care about anyone. I bet she was clapping.

That actually makes me feel like crying. But it doesn’t surprise me, I know lots of people like this. I completely get how you feel. It seems to me that some of the most awful people are out clapping but wouldn’t help anyone out. It’s just the usual Facebook show. I’m not on Facebook because it actually really affects my mood. Things like the #BeKind stuff from the most bullying people I know. I just can’t take it. My OH tells me bits that are on Facebook but seeing it on a daily basis makes me either angry or sad.

TheClitterati · 03/04/2020 00:33

I think it's localised peer pressure - one keen household does it and others think they'd better join in, and it snowballs from there.

Yeah, nah!

Perhaps more of a case of misery liking company in some areas?

Tigerty · 03/04/2020 00:36

My street didn’t bother last week. This week I opened the door to the delivery driver bang on 8pm and a load of my neighbours came out and cheered him. He was chuffed to bits (so was I for getting a delivery!). I think more people will join in the longer it goes on.

PeterFoggsTractor · 03/04/2020 00:37

Can I all the clappers on here, how many of you who can afford to do so, have also made a donation to your local hospital's charitable trust/hospice needing PPE/carers' charity? Not being snippy, am genuinely interested in how people are showing their gratitude and whether that takes the form of a gesture and/or financial support.

WillowKnicks · 03/04/2020 00:41

Our house is quite isolated but can see & hear other houses & I find it really uplifting to hear all the cheers & banging of pans. Last week there was fireworks but I'd say there was even louder cheering this week.

We're in Yorkshire.

I'd be very surprised that anyone would do a slow, sarcastic handclap 🤔

crimsonlake · 03/04/2020 00:49

Houses both sides of me clapped, strange considering both are not abiding by the no family mixing rule.

EBearhug · 03/04/2020 00:59

Nothing in my cul-de-sac, but in Bristol at the other end of the phone call I was on, it was quite noisy.

SoleBizzz · 03/04/2020 01:12

Nothing here in SWBrum. Was last week

bringincrazyback · 03/04/2020 02:44

I think it's localised peer pressure - one keen household does it and others think they'd better join in, and it snowballs from there.

Having looked in a local Facebook group earlier, I think you're right. Lots of talk of people being 'proud of' their street for joining in.

HeIenaDove · 03/04/2020 03:11

Fireworks? Because admissions to the burns unit is just what the NHS needs right now Hmm

ALongHardWinter · 03/04/2020 03:14

I'm in West London and haven't heard a thing,this week or last week.

SarahInAccounts · 03/04/2020 08:22

Local town's community facebook exploded last night with people hurling ungrammatical and poorly spelt abuse at those who weren't clapping.

People were "ashamed" of their street. Calling neighbours fucking cunts for not bashing saucepans.

Madness.

wafflyversatile · 03/04/2020 09:30

None here. I think it's localised peer pressure - one keen household does it and others think they'd better join in, and it snowballs from there

I dont think it's this at all. Last week I was all ready to clap but didnt want to be the first. What if only I clapped. I'm british! Once the (less shy less british) clap started it was clear loads of people were poised just as I was.

Maybe people are just grateful. Have you considered that? They know nhs staff are putting their lives at risk and want them to know we appreciate that, that we have solidarity with them having to work under shit conditions.

Allthebestusernameshavegone · 03/04/2020 09:33

South Wales here and even more people out than last week. It was amazing x

MintyMabel · 03/04/2020 09:43

I object to being called ' an utter grump ' just because I choose not to join in

It’s the equivalent of poppy shaming. If you don’t do ot you must hate those it is supposed to represent.

Laughing at those saying this one was for the other frontline workers. The vast majority of people commenting on it still seem to see it as being for the NHS.

Neveranynamesleft · 03/04/2020 10:44

As I have said previously I am a key worker. I get on with it, it's the job I chose years ago and never expected, as anybody did, to be in this situation. If you want to thank me then that's fine, thank you. I choose not to join in with the clapping because I am not a sheep, I can make my own decisions and I made the decision years ago to let other people make their own decisions and choices and never criticise or shame them for it. Now let's end this nonsense and concentrate on things that really matter.

Original poster
TheUndo · 03/04/2020 12:32

Im not sure how I’m in the wrong here? I said “I’m not saying it’s not a ‘thing’” meaning that I understand that some people do and have clapped, obviously I know that because I said I saw people on the news standing in front of their houses clapping, but that I think that “people up and down the country are clapping” isn’t true. I didn’t hear a single thing, not even a solitary clap. But that doesn’t negate clapping taking place elsewhere. Good for you and your areas to those that responded. All I was saying was it’s not a nationwide thing and everyone in the country is not standing at their front doors clapping. I don’t know a single person that has.

As for fireworks and banging on saucepans.. I have no words. If I had to pick some, ‘selfish’ would be the lightest and ‘really fucking rude and inconsiderate’ would be at the other end of the scale.

OP posts:
Theflushedzebra · 03/04/2020 12:56

OP, you asked, and multiple people have answered that yes, their streets came out and clapped, posters from Scotland, Wales, and the SE. That's up and down the country. YABU.

CallmeAngelina · 03/04/2020 15:42

So, based on your one street, you think that's more likely to be representative of what's actually happening, rather than the many, many people who are reporting the opposite?

JigsawsAreCool · 03/04/2020 17:23

Loads here clapping, cheering, fireworks, banging pot lids and bag pipes

footprintsintheslow · 03/04/2020 19:31

Did you want to clap @TheUndo?

Ladyglitterfairydust · 03/04/2020 20:02

I’m in the NW and pretty much the whole street was out.

JRUIN · 03/04/2020 20:17

I didn't clap. Why would I? it's so cheesy and achieves absolutely nothing. And for all you people who set off fireworks and shit, seriously get a fucking life. Petition for better wages for nurses if you really care, even if it means a few more pence on your income tax!

DaisyArtichoke7 · 03/04/2020 20:20

I think that instead of clapping next time the whole country should directly tweet Boris Johnson and other members of his cabinet at 8pm to demand that the hardworking NHS staff and other careworkers are given the face masks, tests and other personal protection equipment they need to keep them safe.