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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Are you still clapping for the NHS/key workers every week?

336 replies

Emcont · 06/05/2020 18:13

Yabu - No
Yanbu - Yes

OP posts:
Wewearpinkonwednesdays · 06/05/2020 22:17

*Why do you feel the need to justify it by trying to make out those that do clap feel superior?

You don’t want to clap to show your support for the NHS then that’s up to you. Do I find it a big shit when no one in the street bothers? Yes. Does it look like they don’t card? Yes imo.*

Well it seems you do feel superior.

Peggysgettingcrazy · 06/05/2020 22:19

I’d rather be seen as a thick sheep than a ‘I’m proud that I’ve never clapped yada yada yada’

I am neither proud or ashamed. Its just is what it is. Clapping doesn't make you better or prove you care more. Not clapping does mean you care less.

Its just clapping on your doorstep.

And if you only do things because you want to be seen to care, then only really care about yourself.

Midsommar · 06/05/2020 22:20

Yes, every Thursday at 8pm on the dot. My husband and I clap - we don't make a stupid amount of noise like some people do. Luckily the majority of people on our street don't go mad either, just clap and cheer.

Hunnybears · 06/05/2020 22:20

It’s not about how wonderful the people clapping are, that’s a ridiculous statements. It’s about showing the key workers we care about them and are acknowledging that for that 1 min of clapping we are thinking of them.

Someone suggest this a few weeks back and it’s continued. It’s encouraged for moral. Nothing to do with feeling superior.

If everyone else does it too there would be no need to feel superior as we’d all be doing it 🤔

I’d prefer to be proud to say I stand outside and clap than to be proud to say ‘ I don’t and I never have and never will’!!!

Peggysgettingcrazy · 06/05/2020 22:22

why would you be proud you go all the way to your own doorsetp and clap?

How is that an achievement?

Clapping is not the only way you can show appreciation.

If everyone else does it too there would be no need to feel superior as we’d all be doing it

Everyone must do it, so stop you feeling superior? So its other peoples fault you think making a public display of caring, makes you a better person?

Hunnybears · 06/05/2020 22:26

@Peggysgettingcrazy

Load of rubbish.

I clap because I want to. I would hope it’s a show of appreciation to the front line staff.

Some people might not like it but I’m site plenty do feel appreciated by it

Tiramisuiloveyou · 06/05/2020 22:26

I was clapping for all the NHS workers especially i clapped especially hard when my dad was in hospital. Sadly he has now passed away now. I know they cant hear us and i know some MN’s are critical of this. But i continue to do this now as its part of our lockdown ritual and it is lovely see and wave to my neighbours our community from a safe distance. No one goes overboard with fireworks or anything and it is just clapping.

Hunnybears · 06/05/2020 22:30

Peggysgettingcrazy

**why would you be proud you go all the way to your own doorsetp and clap?

How is that an achievement?

Clapping is not the only way you can show appreciation.

If everyone else does it too there would be no need to feel superior as we’d all be doing it

Everyone must do it, so stop you feeling superior? So its other peoples fault you think making a public display of caring, makes you a better person?**

This is a bit of a delusional way of thinking if I’m honest. Why are you angry that people think clapping is a nice gesture?

Why are you so against it?

BatleyTownswomensGuild · 06/05/2020 22:32

I don't clap. I vote for parties that prioritise the NHS even if that means I would pay higher taxes. I follow the social distancing rules to the letter to try and halt the spread of infection. That's more beneficial to the NHS than standing outside banging a saucepan....

Ineedcoffee2345 · 06/05/2020 23:11

Yes we let the kids stay up late they Really enjoy it waving to neighbours etc

sniggy01 · 06/05/2020 23:14

That’s a shame - myself and colleagues feel very differently

Steamfan · 06/05/2020 23:17

No and never have. My family are all NHS workers, and they can't be bothered with it either. It proves nothing

Peggysgettingcrazy · 07/05/2020 05:31

This is a bit of a delusional way of thinking if I’m honest. Why are you angry that people think clapping is a nice gesture?

Why are you so against it?

I am not against it. I never said I was.

I said, why you be proud. Its not an achievement. Its not something to be proud of. It just is.

You know I havent said I am against it.

I am, however, against people who think that caring only counts if its in public. I am against people who think clapping is show of moral superiority.

I also believe, that if you are only showing your care when it can be seen, then you don't care at all.

Peggysgettingcrazy · 07/05/2020 05:33

Load of rubbish.

I clap because I want to. I would hope it’s a show of appreciation to the front line staff.

Thats fine. I didnt say don't.

I am speaking to a poster who believes it makes her better than her neighbours who don't. To a poster that believes unless you clap in a public place you don't care.

Thats incorrect. As above, if you only care when people are looking, you don't care.

PrimeroseHillAnnie · 07/05/2020 05:51

Yes. I work for the NHS in a burns unit but both my daughters are critical care nurses in ITU plus my son is a first year medical student. I don’t sleep or eat much these days. My husband picked me up from the kitchen floor the other day. That’s what fear can do to you. So yes I clap, as loud as I can. Somebody should write a book one day on just what it was really like on a Covid unit and then some of the people posting on here may get just an inkling into the reality of this. But it’s a free country , don’t clap.

ClaraEccles · 07/05/2020 06:15

A bit of camaraderie on a Thursday night. So what? It’s not really about the NHS

On our street... this.

It’s also a time to see elderly neighbours and check in with them regularly without being intrusive. I wasn’t going to do it past the first week but have carried on for this reason.

Rebelwithallthecause · 07/05/2020 06:16

I am always either putting dc to bed or sleeping myself so have missed it each week

HollySideEyes · 07/05/2020 07:21

I'm not 'proud' of not clapping, that's ridiculous. It seems to make some people happy, so that's great for them.

It's the wannabe fascists that get on my tits.

Like a PP I support with my vote and volunteering. My choice. Of course those things can't be 'seen' so must be invalid.

I check on elderly or solitary neighbours anytime, the good weather tends to bring them out in the gardens atm, a couple are of limited mobility so couldn't make the clap if they wanted to and never come out so I knock and chat.

It does have the useful effect of working out who the knobheads are though, a neighbour opposite who used to say smile and say hello has become quite hostile, I can only assume it's because I'm not out there on a Thursday night. Like I said, a useful knobhead detector.

Tappering · 07/05/2020 08:03

I find it really weird that not clapping - for whatever reason - is being perceived as 'being proud to not clap'. I'm not proud, or embarrassed either way - I just don't do it. I'v explained why I don't like it but I have no issue with other people doing it if they wish.

I find it really interesting and quite odd that people not clapping seems to engender a really strong reaction in some people who do clap. They seem to take it quite personally that not everyone wants to follow suit. It makes me wonder how many of those who are busy judging away, had #BeKind on their social media a few weeks back?

EmbarrassedUser · 07/05/2020 08:04

Yes

Aragog · 07/05/2020 08:23

There are people out clapping every week round here. It's an area which has an awful lot of medics and many people go out, or stand at open windows, to support the NHS and carers.

Willow2017 · 07/05/2020 09:29

What Tappering said.^^

ArriettyJones · 07/05/2020 09:36

I don't clap. I vote for parties that prioritise the NHS even if that means I would pay higher taxes. I follow the social distancing rules to the letter to try and halt the spread of infection. That's more beneficial to the NHS than standing outside banging a saucepan...

Very well said.

SweetPetrichor · 07/05/2020 09:43

Nah, never did, nobody around here does. I appreciate them, but I don't have to flap my fins like a seal to show it!

ArriettyJones · 07/05/2020 09:43

Like a PP I support with my vote and volunteering. My choice. Of course those things can't be 'seen' so must be invalid.

That completely sums up the change that has happened in less than a generation.

Matthew 6:1 used to be the standard for these things in British society (and I know there are equivalent teachings in other faiths).

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them...”

I’ll probably be mistaken for a nonagenarian now, but I’m only half of one.