Meghan speaks about racism

[DaisyChain31]

I was watching the news a few minutes a go and watched Meghan (Markle, Duchesss of Sussex), speaking about racism.

She has faced a lot of racism but she didn't mention her plight or go into it. It's palpable on Facebook for example. People saying things like she doesn't fit into the royal family, is she white or black, Harry should have married English rose Cressida because she's a better fit etc. All pretty disgusting to be honest. The latest is that her looks are being compared to Cressida's so it's a mix of underhanded racism, sexism and just nastiness really.

Do you think that Meghan deliberately never spoke about what she has faced because she doesn't think she faces the same issues that general citizens of the US and other countries around the world face? Because she is in a privileged position compared or others (security, respected by a lot of non racists etc).

Do you think that this issue, right now, should focus on racism that will lead to brutality which will most likely be experienced by non celebrities or do you think that it should focus on racism against black people over all, even though the racism is sometimes just words from trolls and idiots on social media? Words still hurt but I can see why Meghan would perhaps not want to try and liken herself to George Floyd for example as it's unlikely Meghan would ever find herself in the hands of police to do as they please.

Do you think black celebrities should speak up because their voices often reach further or do you think it might come across as insensitive to the general population of black people because celebrities are much less likely to experience racial police brutality for example?

Do you think that class is playing a major roll in all of this along with racism?

You've only got to read the disgusting threads right here on mumsnet obsessing over and batching about her to know how many people are racist about MM and desperately trying to pretend they aren't. I bet right now somebody's composing another post about her statement that's criticising her.

She can’t say or do the right thing ever so I’m not surprised she didn’t mention being on the receiving end of it

I don’t think we’ll even get to the end of this page before someone claims she hasn’t been the victim of racism, she’s just not the English Rose Kate is / she’s “uppity” / she doesn’t know her place and all sorts of other crap

@TemoraryUsername

You've only got to read the disgusting threads right here on mumsnet obsessing over and batching about her to know how many people are racist about MM and desperately trying to pretend they aren't. I bet right now somebody's composing another post about her statement that's criticising her.

Came to write exactly the same thing.

As for the black community, it's not up to them as a collective voice to educate us about racism. They don't owe us their personal stories. We need to listen to those who do speak and not judge those who chose not to.

I haven't read those threads, I avoid them because I like Meghan. I'm aware of them of course.

Her interview/video talk was very polite. She named names of victims so she's not just passing comment and jumping on a band wagon, she's read about things obviously and put her own things aside to put focus on black people that have more to deal with than words. She could have easily spoken about herself but she never

Meghan can’t sneeze without that particular rabid clique of MNers writing an essay about how awful she is. Complete and utter losers.

As others have said she can’t ever win, so I’m not surprised if she’s reluctant to speak out.

She has definitely been subjected to some awful racism as well as a lot of covert digs that although might not seem overly racist has a nasty undercurrent.
But, I do think she came into this with a preconceived idea of being a Alist celeb and royalty both at the same time. I think she didn't have a clue what she was getting into and what would be expected of her. I think there was a arrogance to both her and PH behaviour at the beginning thinking they would change the RF, the RF would bend to their whim and the general public would just have to accept whatever they were told. I think all those things combined with PH and his complete lack of any understanding outside of his wants and privilege meant she was destined for a shit time from the outset and I'm not sure you can lay all of it at the racism door.

I think it's right that she's spoken out. She is in a position of privilege and influence and hopefully some might listen.

I don't think it's unreasonable for 'celebrities' to use their own experiences though. a) they weren't always famous and b) even if experienced when famous it's no less valid.

Some of us wake up each day and think urgh work, urgh house work, urgh I have this problem. It must be hard to wake up each day and have that knawing that a problem is out there which you didn't create and there's thousands of people picking at everything you do and wondering what they're saying about you now. I would hope she doesn't wonder and let it knaw but it would be hard not to

@Happy20 I agree

The focus isn't on her own treatment. The focus is on black/aa people who are being killed by the police and the police doing this facing no repercussions e.g. criminal charges and convictions for their actions. So why should her message be about herself?

She knows she is privileged but like many privileged black/aa she knows that privilege doesn't mean the police won't target her for the same treatment if she is unlucky enough to end up with police officers who don't recognise her.

It's so starkly obvious that those who defend the racism and say Megan is the problem are clearly racist and racism apologists themselves.

This is a tweet about her baby by a BBC journalist. About a newborn child. Comparing him to a chimp.

The fucking state of it.

I think it’s right that she speaks out. It must have been tricky as to how to phrase it though. Her life, private school, private jets, mansions etc is a life not many experience or relate to. She should use her privilege in this instance and acknowledge her position.She has a platform that mot many people have.

Oh no, that photo. It was disgusting. It would be sickening to have given birth and be enjoying your new baby to come out of hospital and face that. Imagine looking at your baby that is days old and knowing already that people are laughing at them and they'll face a shitload of that in their life

Mumsnet have had vile threads about her, clearly coming from a racist place she is basically hated on here for being mixed race and American. It's horrible and she has been subject to a lot of racism. MNHQ haven't even responded or taken down those threads which shows the kind of place this is. I think it is good she has spoken out but I'm sure someone will be along soon to criticise her as she can't seem to do anything right but the mumsnetters.

I don't care much for the woman, but good for her speaking up now.

This message has made me respect her more...i think she's great.

If she spoke about her own experiences she would just be accused again of making everything about herself... I think it's good for her to speak more generally on this occasion.

I don't care much for the woman, but good for her speaking up now.

And I wonder why that is

Sorry? Would you like to spell out exactly what you mean? I dislike quite a few royals.

@dramadrama just didn't seem relevant to the conversation. I've seen a lot of people post about them not liking her and it's normally a race related reason not that they would ever admit to that.

I liked what she said too, and normally I hate all the royal leeches, including her. They're nothing but a bunch of privileged pricks living off money they've conquered lands and slaughtered natives for. Not one of them has the decency to even try and return the jewels and artifacts they STOLE to their rightful owners. I judge her harshly for marrying into this turd family, but her treatment was nothing short of disgusting. Look at the Pedo Prince and how he doesn't get half the vitriol she does.

It seems more meaningful that people who don't perhaps like her as much at others acknowledge that she has handled this well. It seems unlikely that racists would be applauding anything she did.

@dramadrama

I don't care much for the woman, but good for her speaking up now

No one asked if you care for her, and quite frankly no one cares. Least not MM herself.

Yes, people are beyond nasty about her and I am sure a lot of it is down to her race. It’s disgusting, but if she opens her mouth to speak about it people will lose their minds. Quite literally!

I liked her speech very much.

She has spoken about racism and sexism quite a bit. Her reluctance to do so more recently was probably under advisement.

I don’t think she forgets she is more privileged than many, but despite that privilege the pervasive nature of the incessant, less overt racism must still affect her despite her wealth and status.

This is a tweet about her baby by a BBC journalist.

Bit of a stretch to call Danny Baker a journalist. He’s a radio/ TV presenter and not a good one at that. He lost his job over it. BBC acted swiftly.