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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Wondering how we can all stand behind & support minorities in this climate.

181 replies

Agn · 06/08/2024 06:12

It is horrendous that there is a climate of fear and that all this far right terrorism is taking place.

are there ways for the general public to give support to minorities who are being targetted?

OP posts:
Perplexed20 · 06/08/2024 19:18

Milkyway1213 · 06/08/2024 07:34

But they are not ALL thugs!
Did you not see footage of the 73 year old who was arrested for just being present at a protest?

It's not a protest, irs a riot.
My 71 ex teacher sister, is now what I would considered far right.

She was recently banned from somewhere for fighting apparently. She's an ex teacher. Age has nothing to do with it.

Given how things were unfolding, that person could of left. Being there is implied support of thuggery and rioting. The police don't just arrest people for being there - or do you think just stop oil people shouldn't have been arrested?

Wishitwasstraightforward · 06/08/2024 19:34

Let's call a spade a spade (with the admission that I am a white middle aged woman, and so can only speak from my white middle aged female perspective)- there are an amount of people who judge others, and have bias towards them based on the colour of their skin. This is the core of the issue. It is hideous and absolutely nonsensical.

I think anyone who wants to try to address the OP's query needs to prioritise listening to the voices of non white people. Really listening. Listening to how they feel, how they are treated, what they feel may make a difference, what is helpful and unhelpful. You will get a variety of perspectives and these perspectives are what is important.

From my white perspective the following also needs to happen:
Zero tolerance of racial slurs, racism being passed off as a joke etc.. This needs to be robustly called out for what it is every single time.

Better ways to report and deal with racism within social media including what some regard as 'minor' issues.

Doing whatever we can to show that the colour of someone's skin says nothing more about them than the size of their ears, whether they are left or right handed, whether they have a full head of hair or a bald. It does not say a single thing about where they are from right now.

Better education around asylum, historical immigration, slavery, the empire etc in schools. Not just for students studying certain subjects- for every student. We as a nation have too many incorrect assumptions about how and why the ancestors of POC arrived here in the past and the difference between an asylum seeker and an illegal immigrant.

More responsible reporting and language used in the media, for example journalists should not be using terms like illegal immigrants for asylum seekers.

Facts being openly shared by governments and other officials in some sort of round-table discussion resulting in formal agreement of the correct terms, facts etc.. Giving a universally agreed consensus on matters which gives less wriggle room for people spreading misinformation. For example, what are the official rules wrt asylum seekers / illegal immigrants claiming benefits etc.. There are so many opinions which are stated as facts and so much misinformation that it can become very hard for people to see the wood for the trees, and to call out misinformation when they hear it because no one can agree the correct facts.

Awareness of how many POC are feeling now, and once this has died down. Asking anyone who may need it how you can support them. Letting them know that you care. Allowing them to vent at your white face.

macaroniandcheeze · 06/08/2024 19:50

Milkyway1213 · 06/08/2024 17:41

I've reported your post, what is it you don't get? I shall spell it out for you, a TINY minority of people are the troublemakers, most people have tried to protest peacefully.
I have also said many a time that the troublemakers should be locked up and that I don't condone violence.

What are they protesting?

ATenShun · 06/08/2024 20:33

ElatedShark · 06/08/2024 18:01

This whole situation is awful but not surprising. England has always been racist.
Not sure what can be done to support apart from things suggested already.

Maybe all the people of colour should just not go to work etc as it's not safe. My neighbour is born and raised here, second gen black British works for NHS, I won't say as what to avoid outing info.

We live where there were/are riots.
She is terrified, she was crying the other day when I popped round to check on her. I've offered to drive her to work and back as we finish similar times and will save her public transport.

Ironically I am not British but as I'm white, I've had no hassle, been fine going wherever.

I personally think the above, all people of colour should just stop helping prop up this country that treats them like trash.
Take a two week break, the mental stress this must be causing is horrible to imagine.

Speaking with and seeing this usually friendly smiling women turn into.this scared shell has made me rethink and evaluate my own views on immigration.
I am still very much is favour of brits being deported out of my home country (Spain) but I would hate for my country to treat them the way this country is treating minorities.

You don't see the hypocrisy in your statement? You want the settled Brits to leave Spain while you are living in the UK.

As it happens I believe Countries should only be accepting people who bring something to the table, eg fill necesarry jobs.
We really do not need more barista's, gents hairdressers, nail bars, tanning salons.

Brits retiring abroad shouldn't just be accepted, as this does diminish local housing stock and uses resources Spaniards are more deserving of. However this same approach should be used with the many economic migrants we now have. Especially from Eastern Europe & Central Asian Countries.

TooBigForMyBoots · 06/08/2024 20:35

stronglatte · 06/08/2024 18:44

What is evident a few days in that thugs are being outnumbered by decent, kind, informed British citizens with big hearts and minds informed by more than anything Tommy ten names has to churn out from his sunbed . There seems to be a clear divide between rioters and decent people

This. I've just come home past a crowd of people protecting our local middle Eastern supermarket. They came out when it was attacked by a dozen or so wee scrotes.

Some people going to get a knock on the door tonight and tomorrow from the police and community workers.

Auvergne63 · 06/08/2024 20:44

Mickeymouseisinnocent · 06/08/2024 18:19

Pro Palestinian protesters harrassed the audience at the Regents Park open air theatre yesterday - at a prodiction of Fiddler on the Roof. They say their agenda is just against Israel not Jews but why protest at a show which has nothing to do with Israel and no evidence the audience was Israeli? Most of the audience WAS Jewish though. And the show has a Jewish theme. Regents Park is denying the video was at that location which is a lie. I was there....and I was scared and intimidated.

Edited

Please don't lump all pro Palestinians protesters together. What happened at the Regents Park open air theatre is wrong and indefensible.
I am also not one of those who conflates Jewish people with the Israeli government's actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

queenofdarkness666 · 06/08/2024 22:56

Yes, how can we help the Jewish community in the UK (less than 200,000 people) who have spent the last 10 months living in fear and having to put up with a massive increase in Jew hate (both online and physical abuse). Please check in on your Jewish friends and neighbours, they are one of the smallest minority groups in the UK!

EasternEcho · 07/08/2024 04:59

Milkyway1213 · 06/08/2024 18:07

I've seen lots of footage and I'm sickened by it.
I'm also sickened by the riot in Birmingham last night where a white man was severely beaten.
Why don't any of you mention the Birmingham riot too?

Your main argument seems to be whataboutism. Why don't you start another thread addressing your grievances, instead of derailing OPs?

Paperweight7 · 07/08/2024 07:34

I really really appreciate you posting this.

For the first time in my life, I am in my own house afraid to go out in my own home town where I was born and have lived most of my life. I am a Muslim Asian woman and we have received information that the violent racist thugs will be attacking our local mosque near where we live. I can't believe this is the UK.

So yes, I really appreciate that you and some others on this thread do care. It does make a difference when you know there are people who do find this racist violence abominable and who don't try to justify it.

If you do work with or have people from minority backgrounds living near you and you tell them you support them and hate the violence going on they will appreciate it.

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 07/08/2024 07:39

Paperweight7 · 07/08/2024 07:34

I really really appreciate you posting this.

For the first time in my life, I am in my own house afraid to go out in my own home town where I was born and have lived most of my life. I am a Muslim Asian woman and we have received information that the violent racist thugs will be attacking our local mosque near where we live. I can't believe this is the UK.

So yes, I really appreciate that you and some others on this thread do care. It does make a difference when you know there are people who do find this racist violence abominable and who don't try to justify it.

If you do work with or have people from minority backgrounds living near you and you tell them you support them and hate the violence going on they will appreciate it.

I'm so sorry that you are struggling. Honestly, I think the majority of people really do care and are horrified by what they're seeing.

The anti-racist counter protesters in my city outnumbered the racist thugs by around 6:1. We've seen similar in many other cities. Please don't allow these evil people to make you feel that they speak for the majority... that's what they want to you think but they could not be more wrong.

Paperweight7 · 07/08/2024 07:47

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 06/08/2024 18:46

I see from where my brother and his family live (moving soon) that there’s not much integration eg with the local muslims who go to mosque there but also jewish and other other faiths and cultures don’t seem to integrate at all. The Ukrainian community one of whom I met by chance did integrate and some other Eastern European cultures do make an effort.

What exactly do you want? The 'muslims going to the local mosque' who you say don't integrate are doctors, teachers, nurses, lawyers, shop assistants, volunteers, drivers, estate agents etc. Their children attend local schools and go to local clubs. They have hobbies, they go to restaurants, visit friends and family... in short, they live their lives like normal people.

I repeat, what exactly do you want?

Wishitwasstraightforward · 07/08/2024 07:47

queenofdarkness666 · 06/08/2024 22:56

Yes, how can we help the Jewish community in the UK (less than 200,000 people) who have spent the last 10 months living in fear and having to put up with a massive increase in Jew hate (both online and physical abuse). Please check in on your Jewish friends and neighbours, they are one of the smallest minority groups in the UK!

You make a good point. But I'm curious as to why you've made it here, on this post, which is about the current riots targeting POC? Are you suggesting that the concern expressed against POC would be better directed at the Jewish community? Because that's how it comes across to me. The whataboutery on this thread is astounding.

Moonshiners · 07/08/2024 07:47

Polarnight · 06/08/2024 09:18

I was quite frightened of the pro Palestine demos. Still am.

Calling for intifada, and all sorts of other disgraceful calls for violence.

Support for those pro Hamas demos though.

Nobody stood in solidarity with Jews who might feel intimidated by this in their own home city. In fact there is support for it

We've had a lot of pro Palestinian protests near us and none of them resulted in violence, beating police, throwing things, setting light to buildings with people inside deliberately, pulling people out of cars, looting shops. They're was inappropriate slogans on some signs that were absolutely rightly removed by the police. No one should be allowed to shout racist things or hold up racist signs.
But it was nothing in comparison to trying to murder people in their hostels.

Lavender14 · 07/08/2024 07:48

Milkyway1213 · 06/08/2024 07:21

I'm disgusted that people like myself are given the label of being 'far right'.

Yes, there's been some horrendous riots by low lives who want nothing more than to cause trouble, and I don't condone their actions for one second. They should be arrested and locked up for their violence. I think 99% of people would think the same.

BUT, they represent a tiny tiny minority of people who are trying to get the Government to acknowledge people's concerns about the illegal immigrants being allowed into the Country. (They just go about it the wrong way)
Most protesters wish to protest in peace, yet, because of the troublemakers, everyone is being labelled as thugs. Why?

Why won't the Government address the real concerns of the people? Why are certain groups allowed to wield knives and machetes in public without intervention by the Police?
It's all wrong.

@Milkyway1213 could you explain what an illegal immigrat is please?

Crispsandwineandcheese · 07/08/2024 07:48

Milkyway1213 · 06/08/2024 07:21

I'm disgusted that people like myself are given the label of being 'far right'.

Yes, there's been some horrendous riots by low lives who want nothing more than to cause trouble, and I don't condone their actions for one second. They should be arrested and locked up for their violence. I think 99% of people would think the same.

BUT, they represent a tiny tiny minority of people who are trying to get the Government to acknowledge people's concerns about the illegal immigrants being allowed into the Country. (They just go about it the wrong way)
Most protesters wish to protest in peace, yet, because of the troublemakers, everyone is being labelled as thugs. Why?

Why won't the Government address the real concerns of the people? Why are certain groups allowed to wield knives and machetes in public without intervention by the Police?
It's all wrong.

Yeah this .
one hundred percent.

Wishitwasstraightforward · 07/08/2024 07:57

@Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain how can you complain that communities have not met your requirements in terms of integration when they are treated so horrendously? It may be a minority of white people who are causing this, but it serves to discourage integration on every level.

Wishitwasstraightforward · 07/08/2024 08:08

@Crispsandwineandcheese why have you posted to defend your stance about immigration concerns on a thread about supporting people who are afraid for their lives due to the colour of their skin?

I can't see why you and others are comfortable to do this unless you feel your stance justifies the fear that many POC are feeling ATM?

I appreciate that you and some others have indicated that the mindless violence is unacceptable but you've ridden roughshod over the OP's question and posters like you who have barged in to a thread to make your own point have shown yourselves for what you really are.

PurpleChrayn · 07/08/2024 08:11

One way to support the Jewish community (one of the smallest minorities) is to actually read up on the history of the current conflict from non-biased sources and don't jump on the "genocide/apartheid" bandwagon, as it is severely affecting our safety.

Soukmyfalafel · 07/08/2024 08:26

Milkyway1213 · 06/08/2024 07:21

I'm disgusted that people like myself are given the label of being 'far right'.

Yes, there's been some horrendous riots by low lives who want nothing more than to cause trouble, and I don't condone their actions for one second. They should be arrested and locked up for their violence. I think 99% of people would think the same.

BUT, they represent a tiny tiny minority of people who are trying to get the Government to acknowledge people's concerns about the illegal immigrants being allowed into the Country. (They just go about it the wrong way)
Most protesters wish to protest in peace, yet, because of the troublemakers, everyone is being labelled as thugs. Why?

Why won't the Government address the real concerns of the people? Why are certain groups allowed to wield knives and machetes in public without intervention by the Police?
It's all wrong.

It sounds to me like you have labelled yourself. I have discussions with people about immigration on all sides of the arguement and I might say they are right leaning, but I don't call them far right. You are confusing the two. Even those who are right leaning would not want people being attacked. The trouble is that far right views have been allowed to filter into the media unchallenged and 'far right' has just become 'right wing'. And yes, far left views are also an issue. Any extreme views are.

How do we get stop it? Stop watching the footage and stop watching/buying media that promote these views and outrage around immigration. If they can't have an adult discussion about it that isn't polarised, they don't deserve your time. It's funny how papers like the Express have gone very quiet and are dissociating themselves from this. Likewise the Tories, with their immigration soundbites that sound like protest chants. Why have they gone so quiet when they are getting what they wanted? It's funny how these people run for the hills when it all kicks off.

Timewilltell519 · 07/08/2024 08:29

Milkyway1213 · 06/08/2024 07:21

I'm disgusted that people like myself are given the label of being 'far right'.

Yes, there's been some horrendous riots by low lives who want nothing more than to cause trouble, and I don't condone their actions for one second. They should be arrested and locked up for their violence. I think 99% of people would think the same.

BUT, they represent a tiny tiny minority of people who are trying to get the Government to acknowledge people's concerns about the illegal immigrants being allowed into the Country. (They just go about it the wrong way)
Most protesters wish to protest in peace, yet, because of the troublemakers, everyone is being labelled as thugs. Why?

Why won't the Government address the real concerns of the people? Why are certain groups allowed to wield knives and machetes in public without intervention by the Police?
It's all wrong.

Why are you centreing yourself in a post about how to help minorities? Very bizarre.

Timewilltell519 · 07/08/2024 08:36

Alltheprettyseahorses · 06/08/2024 08:15

If the thread is to 'stand in solidarity with our neighbours who are feeling unsafe' there are a few people in Birmingham and Plymouth feeling unsafe right now. The idiotic violence going on right now isn't restricted by colour. I genuinely think threads like these are purely for whipping people up into a frenzy of virtue-signalling. Just be nice and polite to people you meet, isn't that a natural way for most people to act?

It’s funny how as soon as people try to protect themselves you are trying to draw equivalence. The vast majority of the violence is from white people in the riots. I’m sorry this comes as a shock to you, but white people can do bad things too you know. You don’t have to jump in a bandwagon because you’ve seen some Sky News footage. Should the Muslims just let people attack their community or should they try to defend themselves? Such a crazy mentality.

Anonym00se · 07/08/2024 08:36

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 06/08/2024 18:46

I see from where my brother and his family live (moving soon) that there’s not much integration eg with the local muslims who go to mosque there but also jewish and other other faiths and cultures don’t seem to integrate at all. The Ukrainian community one of whom I met by chance did integrate and some other Eastern European cultures do make an effort.

Do you not think that we have a responsibility to integrate with them too? If you were traumatised and had to flee your home to live in a strange place, would you go out and introduce yourself or stick with the other Brits that you met there? To mix, you’d first need to feel safe.

Our immigrant communities in my area are pretty well mixed. Muslim people tend to live in the poor areas among other ethnic minorities and white working class people. Our asylum seekers are encouraged to do voluntary work and do a lot of gardening and litter picking, or volunteer in charity shops. The mosques are very forward thinking and inclusive and encourage all faiths and races to visit and talk to them about any concerns.

We’re very lucky that two local Imams in particular are young and British born, so they’re far more progressive than the older generation. But it’s a two-way street. We need to help them to feel welcome if we expect them to be a part of our communities.

Wishitwasstraightforward · 07/08/2024 08:40

@Timewilltell519 thank you for saying so succinctly and clearly what I was trying to say in a previous (more clumsy) post.

MushMonster · 07/08/2024 08:57

Lots of arguing on this thread too...
Replying to original question, may it is me, but I would say people were very smiley, friendly and chatty this morning. They left the grumpiness of early mornings behind to make a bit of eye contact and smile on their interactions.

Spacecrispsnack · 07/08/2024 09:05

Has anyone checked in on colleagues from different backgrounds? We have 3 people in our team from different backgrounds (I don’t know how to politely define them so being wishy washy). I’ve been considering dropping them a message to ask how they’re doing and check they’re ok but I don’t know if this would be weird/patronisjng.

Does anyone have any insight or advice?