Is it ok to just leave a WhatsApp group because...

[Anon778833]

The people are actually vile?

I hate WhatsApp groups anyway. Background of this is that I promote a shop in exchange for various benefits and there’s a WhatsApp group for members to discuss things about that and what we’re putting on social media etc.

Except that recently, it’s become clear that these people are a nasty bunch of vipers who are also racists.

In my position would you just leave the group?

Social etiquette doesn't really apply if you are leaving for that reason.

For a nice but dull/busy group I would worry about offending them. Not for a bunch of racist vipers.

Just leave.

I left a family WhatsApp group during first lockdown when someone made a racist comment (BIL of SIL). MN has helped me grow a set. Leave. You won’t regret it.

I would probably just mute it because it's sort of a work situation? But if you want to leave then leave.

You could say you're not comfortable with some of the chat but they'll then probably bitch about you after you leave whereas if you just mute it they won't!

I would just 'silence' the group in the settings. then you are still a member of it but don't have to see their messages or participate.

Id leave, but let the shop owner know. Tell her that you understand why she hasn't called out the racism, but you are leaving because of it. It's bad for her business long term to associate with these people but business is business I guess. You're lucky you can afford to vote with your feet.

I think if you leave after making those comments, they'll know why. Good for you.

@TheSpottedZebra

HUH? It's always ok to leave a WhatsApp group, for any/no reason.

But maybe rethink your employment by these racists?

Yes, but if it's a group of friends or something it's polite to say why and not just flounce off. Not necessary in this situation.

Can I just ask please, what is the best thing to say when you challenge racism and the response is;

‘Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion’?

Racism is a hate crime. Yet white people still think it’s our prerogative to go around dictating what racism is. If a person of colour tells us we’re wrong the response is ‘I’m not racist, it’s their problem’

What can be done about this?

Update to the situation;

I sent a message to the business owner. And then I left. She understands why I left but says she’s very sad that I was put in a position where I needed to leave. She said she ls going to tell the group to think before they post and to please stick to talking about the products.

@SugarbabyMilly - if you believe they have committed a hate crime, then send the screenshots to the police.

I don’t have much faith in the police to actually listen.

They were saying things like ‘x is an effing m*ron’ and saying they hate her. It is racism imo because it’s in response to something she was explaining.

Obviously the person in question is unaware of what they’ve said.

Moron is offensive, but it isn't considered to be a racist term as far as I know, no.

Yes I know that. But I think the context is important