I’ve been named and ‘shamed’

[EstuaryBird]

Admittedly it’s only on our local WhatsApp group...

Opened it this morning and there’s a message from a ‘founder’ member of the group.

“Me, hubs and the kids were out last night making lots of noise for our NHS heroes. Disappointed to see that some of this group don’t care enough to give up 2 minutes of their time!!! Maybe you forgot..(then a list of names including mine). Will be sending you a reminder next week!!”

I know she’s a twat but I’m fuming. I’m not going to dignify it with a reply because she and her little crew of followers love a public war. I’m just going to ignore her but if she thinks she’s forcing me out next week she’s got another bloody think coming.

Tbh if I wasn’t on lockdown I wouldn’t even give it 2 thoughts but I’m winding myself up about it now!

AIBU to think that clapping is not compulsory and nobody else’s business?

She reminds me of the many idiots who took part in the Ice-Bucket Challenge for ALS, but instead of using it as part of a wider fund-raising effort for the charity and getting people to sponsor them for doing it, they somehow genuinely thought that they were 'supporting' ALS just by getting somebody to film them doing it and then uploading it to social media

And all those people who 'supported' breast cancer care by posting the colour of their bra on Facebook without actually explaining what they were doing. There are some real idiots around.

Why are people being judged?
I fully intended to clap but my severely disabled child needed me at the time. I hope my neighbours didn't judge me!

You should say you did clap but did it out the back as you didn't want to see her/his judgemental face 😂. I didn't clap myself, it doesn't mean that I'm not grateful!

She is the reason I didn't go out and clap.

I actually don't want to belong to this crew of self-righteous virtue signalling wankers. I'd rather show my appreciation of the NHS in other ways.

I literally hate her

"Hubs" sounds like he might be a decent chap, undeserving of the term "hubs".

This thread is hilarious thanks to all the wonderful responses.

Looking forward to the next instalment!

Weird that some people are questioning why NHS workers would be asleep at 8pm! Lol

My husband leaves the house at 4am, his early shift starts at 6 but he always gets there at 5 because there is so much to sort out from the night shift. So yes, he is always asleep at 8pm... often is in bed and snoring by 7pm.

OP, your latest update doesn't bode well... I wonder whether this febrile atmosphere will lead to actual violence? Blimey, things seem to be taking a turn for the surreal if not sinister, given what posters are saying about the fervour with which this clapping is being 'policed'.....

Unfortunatelly it's really happening. People being rudely and agressively called out for not clapping and not putting candles and bears and drawings in their windows. 'If you can't get off your butt to clap the least you can do is put a bear in your window!' I don't have a bear and am I meant to go out for an unecissary journey to go buy one today because a neighbour said so? Every day it seems someone comes up with something new and we're all expected to do it as if some of us have nothing better to do except wait for our next instructions. One neighbour made a comment 'Don't be miserable and ruin the experience for your children!' I don't have children, so it shows how well they know me.
I actually volunteer free counselling for NHS. I can't go out to clap because I'm on the phone with people some who are very upset. A neighbour shaming me online and then running up my drive loudly banging on a pan and yelling 'SHOW SUPPORT SHOW SUPPORT' is not kind and I think a lot of this sort of thing is bordering on harassment. How are we going to get back to 'normal' neighbourly relations after all of this? Sad times.

My friend is a member of one of these neighbourhood Whatsapp groups and I have always wondered why, just why are they recessary. I can think of nothing worse than all my neighbours tittle-tattling about unnecessary stuff.

What is the actual point of them - please enlighten me

Hate the idea of a neighbourhood WhatsApp group. WTH?

Great diagram.
That's me finished with The Clap after reading this. Solidarity OP.

However, would be interested in: Bang for a Binnie.

Ridiculous. Stop clapping. It’s a diversion set up by Michael “the Weasel” Gove to divert attention away from the scandalous way NHS staff have and ARE being treated. (PPE/Testing etc).

FuckPolitenessSSDGM Fri 03-Apr-20 12:15:28 Poor Mr Clap. I do feel sorry for him getting an ear full from Mr Angry because of Mrs Claps twattery. hmm I feel like I've fallen into a deeply inappropriate Mr Men book.

lol

OMG please respond. That is awful. I'd be tempted to reply:

Disappointed to see that some of this group don’t care enough to consider the personal circumstances of others. Maybe you forgot - then a list of names with only the persons name. Will be sending you a reminder next week!!

Gold!

I didn't go out and clap last night for two reasons.

1. Our windows/front door faces onto communal gardens rather than the street, so it wouldn't have added to the wider "community feel".

2. I was checking my work emails regarding the COVID-19 clinical trials I am involved with.

I'd have sent a link to the nurses thread from yesterday about it.

I also think everyone should donate a £1 instead of clapping - it'd help a lot more.

If you can't get off your butt to clap the least you can do is put a bear in your window!' I don't have a bear and am I meant to go out for an unecissary journey to go buy one today because a neighbour said so? Every day it seems someone comes up with something new and we're all expected to do it as if some of us have nothing better to do except wait for our next instructions

weliveincrazytimes

I am really sorry to hear that. How utterly bloody absurd and thuggish. I don't know what to say, but I can imagine how stressful it must be. The people doing this are zealots and bullies who have found an opportunity to indulge their desire to order strangers to comply with idiotic dictates. It really is crazy. Take care of yourself. Your tormentors are tossers.

Hi all,

Sorry we didn't clap last night but the lockdown has been hard on our digestive systems. Due to a diet of white pasta and no fresh veg, our guts are experiencing a lockdown of their own. We were all ready to clap but I experienced some, erm, movement, just before 8pm. No-one in the family has 'been' for 4 days so they wanted to hear about what was going on.

I've noticed that nobody else in our cul-de-sac has spoken about this. And it got me wondering, do some people have a stash of veg and wholemeal products? We've respected the advice not to hoard but some in our community might not be so public spirited. Why don't we use this group to support each other's colons? If any household doesn't join in... Well, let's just say we'll know who the hoarders are.

Wishing you good gut health,

EstuaryBird xx

@weliveincrazytimes
Bloody hell. If I was you I would want to shame your neighbours and tell them exactly what you were doing. I know it's none of their business but it might shut them up , not just with you and make them think before they have a go at someone else. Ffs

I am very pleased that you did noteave the WhatsApp group. I look forward to developments.

*not leave

"Wow there are clapping police now 😂"

Leave the group.
I know a lot of people who work in the NHS and quite a few of them find it a bit naff and embarrassing to be honest. They also don't like the militant nature of it that's creeping in.
They would rather a pay rise than a clap and cheer anyway. Or for people to stop voting for a government that will cut them to bone.

Tell her to fuck off. It’s not compulsory!!