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?

The clap has turned into some awful virtue signalling version of the “two minute hate” from 1984.

The more things you put the more 'good neighbour' points you get apparently. People were posting their addresses and telling people to 'come have a look and a wave' and then naming their bears, offering for others to name the bear as they walk past and encouraging children to leave drawings 'to be displayed next week'. Apparently we're also meant to put lit candles in our windows to show support for all the people who have died.

welive
Is this on a Facebook group you are in? Could you withdraw from the group? Then you would not have to see these idiotic commands? It's ludicrous that you are feeling intimidated by this and I can understand it is causing you anxiety. You shouldn't feel obliged to put a single damn thing in your window. It's bonkers.

Wtf!

Naming & shaming is ridiculous and awful - glad you got that apology at least, OP.

Calling people cunts for not clapping - awful.

Calling people virtual signalling cunts for doing it (a has happened on Mumsnet threads)- also awful.

I'm seriously glad I live where I do - I've not seen any of this sort of nonsense! We just went out last night - some of our neighbours were out, some weren't - we clapped a bit, had a bit of a chat about how we all are - and then went back in. It's meant to be nice. Not compulsory. I agree with the points about the Stasi - it's quite scary.

I’d say ‘d’oh, was at the back door again - I get so confused’

There must be rules with data protection!!

Tell the group that you're very pleased that they enjoyed the clap.

DH and I had a shocking day yesterday. I had a horrific day at work (from home but was still sorting out a really messy situation at 7.40pm) and he had some bad personal news. We eventually sank into the sofa, numb and broken, not knowing nor caring what day or time it was, only to be interrupted by one of neighbours screeching at the top of her lungs from our front gate "Turtle, Mr Turtle, Get yourselves out here and CLAP! Why aren't you clapping? Get out here!" We did go to the front door and then she yelled at us for doing it half-heartedly. I ended up snapping that I support the NHS through my vote and went back inside. Fwiw, I clapped hard last week and I am a huge supporter of the NHS so I do feel bad about last night but nobody has any idea what is going on in others' lives, especially right now.

clap police

Fnarr, fnarr. Commissioner Dick in charge, presumably?

God. Now there’s some viral, chain-letter thing appeared for shining a torch in the sky tonight for ‘people affected by COVID’.

Stay in your homes you sheeple.

My husband also made the 2 minutes of hate comment last night ohwhatfuckery - we love the NHS but this is becoming a weird social control thing.

@LakieLady I just snorted on a VC I'm listening in to

I don't understand people saying they can't join in because 8 o'clock is a child's bedtime. I haven't done clap for the NHS because I think it's primarily virtue signalling and because I'd find it toe-curlingly embarrassing, but it only lasts a few minutes so if you really want to join in then just put your child to bed a tiny bit early or late, surely. Otherwise it sounds like you're just making an unnecessary excuse when you're not obliged to take part anyway.

Good grief OP, there are some bullying self-serving loons about. Whether it is caused by the isolation or whether they were like this before, I don't know. They're too lazy to be bothered doing anything that actually truly helps the NHS like volunteering or donating, so this strange ritual of clapping and banging frying pans and pots at nothing but air like an asylum escapee is an easy way for them to be seen (all look at me, look at me!) to be 'doing something'. If these nasty bullies wanted to actually do something for the NHS, there are many constructive things they could do. But they wouldn't. Because, lets tell it like it is; they aren't interested in putting in any actual work or effort, they couldn't care less about the NHS, it is just a way for them to feel smug, virtuous and seek attention.

None of this is truly about the NHS (how could it be? HOW does clapping and clanging pots and pans together actually help the NHS???). That is a convenient excuse. It is all self-serving. In fact, I think that is the ultimate insult to the NHS. They are making out like it's all a joke.

I'm in Australia, and thank goodness so far no one has suggested we do this for Essential Workers ie the Health services. If it was suggested, most people would meet the suggestion with a 'fuck off you wally!' or something. I can imagine it is something the Americans would do. I never thought I'd see the day when the what I previously thought was the sensible, down to earth UK, was indulging in this insulting and cringe-worthy behaviour.

I'm also shocked that fireworks over there are allowed in residential streets. Here, NO ONE is allowed access to or allowed to set off fireworks, unless the person is a licenced pyrotechnic and only on things like New Year's eve or Australia Day, and only in the actual cities/over the river. Those on here who are rightfully upset with people using fireworks in residential areas really, really need to lobby your local council and MP. Start a petition. A movement to ban them in residential areas. Nothing will change if no one steps up and does anything. I bet you will have a groundswell of most people in your neighbourhood who sign.

@firewalkeruk I agree with Biker47 It is not a 'worthwhile gesture' at all, it is hollow and quite insulting. Standing outside at clapping at air does nothing for anyone. It achieves nothing, it says nothing, it does nothing. Except make one look like mindless sheep and lunatic. It's all self-serving, they don't really care about anyone but themselves and being seen to be doing something (clapping at air and banging pots and saucepans like an asylum escapee would have the white coats come and collect you if done any other time). It is extremely selfish. DONATING to the NHS would actually be DOING something. But actually putting in the hard yards ie volunteering at hospitals or donating is all too hard and clapping and banging pots like a lunatic is the easiest - and the most self-serving - way out.

These idiots just ruin every nice thing.
Forced support is not support.

Thanks for the Apology PC Clap. I trust you will be closing this case now

God. Now there’s some viral, chain-letter thing appeared for shining a torch in the sky tonight for ‘people affected by COVID’. 

I think, considering the likely source of the original virus, Batman is probably the last person they should be asking for help.

Hang on.... "next week"

Is this going to be a weekly thing? The little scrotes that live behind me took it as an excuse to blow football whistles, blow air horns and scream "NHS WHOOOOOO" for a good half hour last night.

I genuinely forgot last week and took part in a gentle clap out of the window last night for a minute.

Ive seen that one jonhamm-my eyes nearly rolled off down the living room

Is she on Mumsnet too?

"I thought the first week's clapping was a really nice showing of community spirit and support. It felt a bit special, but I saw it as a one-off. Doing it every week becomes contrived and cringe-worthy and I think it will die out pretty quickly."

"Once is a warmhearted, lovely gesture. Twice and it begins to resemble the ever-decreasing purity spiral..."

I agree with @blueheaven97 and @MarieIVanArkleStinks - once was a great gesture, but if it becomes a weekly thing, it loses any meaning.

I would be tempted to go back to the group with a suggestion that she does something practical to help hospital staff - sending in handcream for them, for example.

Well that's some backtracking from being disappointed with you all and accusing you of not caring to just thinking it would be nice if you all clapped together. How old is she? 5?

She's probably one of those people who tries to get everyone up dancing at weddings, especially even the ones who really hate dancing.

@weliveincrazytimes I didn't putting a bear in your window was a thing.

I have a very weird bear, vintage 70s Habitat, that looks like a deranged grizzly on acid.

I might put it in the window next week, and see how many of the clappers and bangers complain that it's frightening their children.

I didn't clap.
I don't need an excuse.

Love this though - tits out for truckers