Sorry, it's a Facebook one

[Fletchings]

I am a member of my street Facebook group - we usually just exchange things going on on the road which are useful to know (recent break in attempts, or if someone needs a hand with something, roadworks etc).

The group has around 40 members, all of them are white British AFAIK. I am the only one from with an BAME background.

Anyhow, yesterday a member posted to advice/warn us that in the side road next to ours a three young Asian lads moved in. She referred to them as 'pakis' and advised us to be careful when walking around in the evening.

I posted a polite reply asking her to reconsider her language and such insinuations in future posts.

None of the other members (who usually have an opinion just about anything) said anything. However I got a big backslash for saying anything. I have been called all kinds of things and several people told me I just have just sorted it with a neighbourly chat and it was totally inappropriate to say something in the group as the issue is between me and the neighbour only.

I am usually extremely shy but this made me really uncomfortable as I am one to avoid confrontation. I now question myself. Should I have rather said nothing or sent a private message?

(NC in case some group members read this even though I doubt that they are on here) .

several people told me I just have just sorted it with a neighbourly chat and it was totally inappropriate to say something in the group as the issue is between me and the neighbour only

It’s handy when the racists let you know who they are!

I think you were right to say something, and it reflects badly on the rest of the group that they were okay with it.

masking I think it was definitely an eye opener as to who my neighbours are.

Your mistake was being polite.

Your neighbours just outed themselves.

Your neighbours are cunts. I am white and if someone posted that on my neighbourhood Facebook page I would have something very impolite to say about it! I am so sorry this has happened to you. Its unacceptable.

Can't believe not a single person backed you up, your neighbours are all either racist or spineless

Well done on saying something OP. I'm
sorry that you got such a horrible reaction from people,

Well your neighbours have shown their true colours haven't they.

Can you report it to fb for racist language?

Can't believe not a single person backed you up

I cannot believe it either. I really didn't expect that noone would back me up and even less the backslash... this was totally unexpected which is why I am posting as I really started to question what I did. Reassuring to see the responses. Thank you.

Can you report it to fb for racist language?

the lady has deleted the post now. Plus she is a TA in a school. Wonder if she got worried about it....

However I got a big backslash for saying anything.
Because your neighbour put it out on the FB group page, you were perfectly entitled to respond on the FB group page to her.

I think you should tell the school. That's highly inappropriate.

I don't think i would have responded in such a polite manner OP!

Wow - have you left the group?

I think you should be pleased that you stood up to a racist in a polite manner.

I don't have a screenshot to report. I will let that one go. and yes, I am still in the group. still mulling about leaving (but some actually useful stuff is shared on there as well).

Fucking hell!

I’m curious where you live OP and who your neighbours are.

I can’t believe anyone would write that.

That is awful OP :( they sound horrible in every way.

I'd be just removing myself from the group. As some have already said, at least you know who the overtly nasty people are on the street now.

Just saw the update that she’s a TA.

Unbelievable!

I’ve came across some small minded, racist bigots in my time, but can’t imagine anyone writing that on social media, never mind someone who works in a school.

I'm so sorry that your are having to deal with racism and apologists on your doorstep. You are quite right to address the issue where it was raised, although it's depressing that you should have to!

I'm really sorry you were subjected to this - it's pretty shocking. You absolutely did the right thing, although I imagine that things are not comfortable for you right now. Doubly shocking that someone with such views is working in a school!

“TheStoic

Your mistake was being polite”

Exactly this ^.

It’s not you who should be questioning your actions in this situation. Your neighbours telling you to message privately are almost as bad!

Did you screenshot the message by any chance?

YANBU OP fair play to you for calling her out very politely. Like PPs I'm shocked that no one else backed you up.

I've had to cull/hide quite a few FB acquaintances recently for sharing thinly veiled racist comments/memes etc. Trying to enter a sensible dialogue with someone who is inherently racist (or homophobic/misogynistic/take your pick) is usually impossible difficult as they often use aggression / group dynamic to block reasonable discussion.

That’s vile. I’m sorry it happened. You absolutely did the right thing.