Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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:
BigAnne · 07/08/2024 09:17

@Paperweight7 I asked the same question, but she's still not replied.

1dayatatime · 07/08/2024 09:19

RoseUnder · 06/08/2024 07:39

I recommend highly checking out the organisation Hope Not Hate. They do brilliant community led work and have had many successes in recent years.

https://hopenothate.org.uk/

HNH also co-organise peaceful solidarity counter-events. I’m hoping to attend one this weekend. They will have other suggestions for ways you can help even from home.

Edited

Hmmm would that be the same Hope not Hate whose Chief Executive Nick Lowles posted fake and inflammatory posts on twitter of acid attacks on women in Middlesbrough that the police denied ever happening.

Spreading fake information such as this simply encourages more violence that he ought to be arrested for, but he won't be because it's not right wing fake inflammatory information.

www.yahoo.com/news/hope-not-hate-boss-apologises-162745371.html

Sunhatweather · 07/08/2024 09:38

midgetastic · 06/08/2024 07:43

The real concern of illegal immagration is a myth though

Levels of illegal immagration are small. Something like 70% of people entering the uk through illegal routes are actual deemed legally entitled to stay.

The majority of immigrants enter legally through approved routes

The vast majority of people of colour are not even immigrants but were born here

Yes we have more people from further afield now than we used to - as legal immigrants - a direct and predicted impact of Brexit ( which sone people voted for on the basis of immigration - the irony ) (and yes there can be culture problems that result - especially in a hostile rather than a welcoming climate - ah the irony again

Yes illegal immigration is bad - but more because of the high number of people dying en route to, the way it feeds criminals , and the very fact that people go to such lengths suggests their lives are much worse than those of the uk

It's not having a huge impact on your life

I have ‘brown skin’ and am from an immigrant background. The lack of cultural integration by many immigrants is of more concern to me than anything else. I couldn’t give a fig about where people are coming from and how, provided they are respectful of the culture and laws of their new home.
As a woman it does, and has had, an impact on my life.

queenofdarkness666 · 07/08/2024 11:17

Wishitwasstraightforward · 07/08/2024 07:47

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.

I'm making this point because the OPs post is discussing attacks on minorities and one minority (the Jewish community) has been the victim of attacks and abuse for the last ten months and there has been no concern for their welfare. Also, how do you know that no Jewish people haven't been the victim of attacks (online or otherwise) during these current riots? Do you think visibly Jewish people wouldn't be targets of any of these rioters if they come across them? I'd also like to point out that many Jews are POC (Mizrahi/Sefaradi/Ethiopian descent) and Ashkenazi Jews are not "white". Please educate yourself. I also don't understand the "whataboutery". Surely as the OP's post is calling for the protection of and solidarity with minority groups, therefore that includes the Jewish community (who are one of the smallest minorities in the UK)?

mightymam · 07/08/2024 12:34

Just been shared on our local Facebook group for those of you thinking things aren't as bad as they're being made out:

Wondering how we can all stand behind & support minorities in this climate.
SallyWD · 07/08/2024 12:37

mightymam · 07/08/2024 12:34

Just been shared on our local Facebook group for those of you thinking things aren't as bad as they're being made out:

Absolutely sickening. I trust the police have been informed. I think we need police protecting all mosques for the time being.

Sirzy · 07/08/2024 12:37

mightymam · 07/08/2024 12:34

Just been shared on our local Facebook group for those of you thinking things aren't as bad as they're being made out:

I assume it has also been shared with the local police so they can identify and take action?

2dogsandabudgie · 07/08/2024 12:59

Sirzy · 07/08/2024 12:37

I assume it has also been shared with the local police so they can identify and take action?

I think the police will already be aware. That looks like it has been taken off one of the Far Right on line groups, can't remember what it's called, that you have to be a member of.

The media have been talking about these groups and saying this is how the riots are being organised.

MushMonster · 07/08/2024 13:13

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?

Are you in the same building or online?
If in the same building, I think it would be lovely to just pop in and check that they are looking their normal self.
If online, our work place has sent a general email and encourage people to talk about it.
If I had a chatty relationship with them, I would email them too.

macaroniandcheeze · 07/08/2024 13:30

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?

I had the same dilemma about a colleague of mine. It felt patronising to point out what was going on but at the same time I wanted to make sure it wasn’t ignored. In the end I said to him something brief eg. We have seen the news, we are appalled, and you have our support if needed. Left it up to him if he wanted to talk about it further (he did, and had a good chat)

henlake7 · 07/08/2024 13:43

This is all such disgusting behaviour, clearly just an excuse to cause chaos and commit acts of violence for alot of people (but I suppose at least it brings them out of the woodwork so the police knows who to monitor!).

I work as a nurse in a busy hospital and for the majority of shifts I am not only the only white member of staff Im also the only 'home grown' one! Then there are the Drs, physios, pharmacists, technicians, etc.
The entire health service in this country would be crippled without immigration!

Even alot of unskilled labour or practical jobs seem to rely on a foreign workforce. For example seasonal fruit picking and alot of trades (every third tradesmen around here seems to be eastern european!!LOL).

Presumably if these people get injured in their 'protesting' (cough-looting-cough) then they will expect those immigrants to take care of them, will they!?

ATenShun · 07/08/2024 14:25

henlake7 · 07/08/2024 13:43

This is all such disgusting behaviour, clearly just an excuse to cause chaos and commit acts of violence for alot of people (but I suppose at least it brings them out of the woodwork so the police knows who to monitor!).

I work as a nurse in a busy hospital and for the majority of shifts I am not only the only white member of staff Im also the only 'home grown' one! Then there are the Drs, physios, pharmacists, technicians, etc.
The entire health service in this country would be crippled without immigration!

Even alot of unskilled labour or practical jobs seem to rely on a foreign workforce. For example seasonal fruit picking and alot of trades (every third tradesmen around here seems to be eastern european!!LOL).

Presumably if these people get injured in their 'protesting' (cough-looting-cough) then they will expect those immigrants to take care of them, will they!?

Your post actually to a certain extent supports some of the concerns of a large proportion of Brits. We should be questioning why the medical profession is so reliant on migrant workers. Why have we not been training more, as you put it, home grown staff be they black white or anything else. Is there a high rate of staff leaving and if so how do we stop it.

The NHS isn't underfunded, it is poorly managed and burdened with PFI debts, the brainchild of John Major and serious love child of Tony Blair and his self serving friends.

During the early 2000's many home grown tradesmen packed in due to undercutting on jobs by Eastern European migrants. Their arrival did hold wages down in many sectors like you described as well as hospitality and similar.

Farm labour by Eastern Europeans. They were worked like slaves under the control of gangmasters. They did live in appaling conditions and they did get far below the minimum wage. The only winners there again were gangmasters and wealthy landowners.

FerreroFan · 07/08/2024 14:29

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?

I think this is a great idea. It would make me feel that people actually care.

FerreroFan · 07/08/2024 14:31

mightymam · 07/08/2024 12:34

Just been shared on our local Facebook group for those of you thinking things aren't as bad as they're being made out:

Can you send this to the police?

Auvergne63 · 07/08/2024 15:59

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.

I don't want to derail this thread but, just by writing " don't jump on the genocide/ apartheid bandwagon", you are, in fact, lumping every Pro Palestine marchers together, assuming that we are all biased.
I have extensively read about the start of this "war", both in French and English.
I am well informed, thank you.
As I am from a very, very small minority myself, I stand with other minorities and the large majority of the UK to denounce any form of racism. I hope you do too.

cantthinkofanother2 · 07/08/2024 17:33

@Milkyway1213 - thank god someone else has seen what I’ve seen.
I live by Heartlands and I was terrified. My son is 16 at the weekend and he and his older brothers were going to Drayton Manor on their own.
I can’t allow that now. They are virtually under house arrest - I am scared to let them out. They are both autistic and not street wise.

Why is everyone on here pretending that the Muslim men are not rioting with swords and machetes. They chased the Sky news team away and slashed the tyre of their van.

That white man being beaten up by the mob at the Clumsy Swan.

This is all on video - not making the news much though.

I am white British. I am afraid for my children.

SallyWD · 07/08/2024 17:44

cantthinkofanother2 · 07/08/2024 17:33

@Milkyway1213 - thank god someone else has seen what I’ve seen.
I live by Heartlands and I was terrified. My son is 16 at the weekend and he and his older brothers were going to Drayton Manor on their own.
I can’t allow that now. They are virtually under house arrest - I am scared to let them out. They are both autistic and not street wise.

Why is everyone on here pretending that the Muslim men are not rioting with swords and machetes. They chased the Sky news team away and slashed the tyre of their van.

That white man being beaten up by the mob at the Clumsy Swan.

This is all on video - not making the news much though.

I am white British. I am afraid for my children.

That all happened in one evening in one place. It was horrific behaviour and I hope they face the full force of the law. You can not compare one evening to what's been happening over the last week in terms of the racist riots. Innocent black and brown men being pulled from their cars and being beaten up, not being allowed to drive down the street because of their skin colour, Muslim graves being vandalised, petrol poured of Muslim women who were told they'd be set alight, a young boy in Northern Ireland attacked by ten people and left with facial disfigurement. Oh and today at my work place there were racist stickers with razor blades behind them.

Do you know there are 100 far right "protests" planned tonight alone?! Many more at the weekend. I know black and Asian people who are simply too scared to go to work.

Agn · 07/08/2024 17:44

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?

I don’t know. I thought the same thing. And I was worried in case some of my nice colleagues could accidentally come across some racist dickhead and get targetted or hurt.

OP posts:
MadameMassiveSalad · 07/08/2024 21:03

Go to anti facist demonstrations

Make a donation to an anti racism organisation or one that supports refugees & asylum seekers

Educate your children not to be ignorant racists

If you're in an area where small independent businesses have been destroyed or mosques attacked, help with the clean up efforts

Wishitwasstraightforward · 07/08/2024 22:36

cantthinkofanother2 · 07/08/2024 17:33

@Milkyway1213 - thank god someone else has seen what I’ve seen.
I live by Heartlands and I was terrified. My son is 16 at the weekend and he and his older brothers were going to Drayton Manor on their own.
I can’t allow that now. They are virtually under house arrest - I am scared to let them out. They are both autistic and not street wise.

Why is everyone on here pretending that the Muslim men are not rioting with swords and machetes. They chased the Sky news team away and slashed the tyre of their van.

That white man being beaten up by the mob at the Clumsy Swan.

This is all on video - not making the news much though.

I am white British. I am afraid for my children.

There is no comparison. I am a white British female and I am not remotely afraid, neither am I afraid for my sons and their friends. None of us are afraid to walk the streets unlike my friends who are POC and who are understandably very afraid for their children.

The violent behaviour of POC totally pales in comparison to that of white people.

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 07/08/2024 22:47

DH supported minorities tonight by going to an anti racist demonstration (despite being on the list for a hip replacement).

MushMonster · 08/08/2024 06:38

Yesterday went well indeed, no violence, peaceful and anti racist. So different from the warnings.
I hope that was the end of the riots and peace and common sense prevails.

We still have a warning for this evening as what was being circulated online yesterday, for my own town this time, but I hope it turns up to be peaceful or nothing.

SallyWD · 08/08/2024 06:54

MushMonster · 08/08/2024 06:38

Yesterday went well indeed, no violence, peaceful and anti racist. So different from the warnings.
I hope that was the end of the riots and peace and common sense prevails.

We still have a warning for this evening as what was being circulated online yesterday, for my own town this time, but I hope it turns up to be peaceful or nothing.

I can't describe the relief I feel after last night's display of hope not hate.

Alltheprettyseahorses · 08/08/2024 09:19

There definitely was violence last night - criminal damage like shop windows being smashed and so on, 15 arrests so far being reported by the BBC which will hopefully be treated the same as the other rioters. I think there's a definite push to minimise what went on and the main reason there wasn't more unrest is because luckily there were no other groups to clash with. I thought misinformation was being cracked down on.

Wishitwasstraightforward · 08/08/2024 10:23

Alltheprettyseahorses · 08/08/2024 09:19

There definitely was violence last night - criminal damage like shop windows being smashed and so on, 15 arrests so far being reported by the BBC which will hopefully be treated the same as the other rioters. I think there's a definite push to minimise what went on and the main reason there wasn't more unrest is because luckily there were no other groups to clash with. I thought misinformation was being cracked down on.

You're quoting the BBC's reporting, and then suggesting that the efforts to reduce misinformation have failed?

There was less unrest last night because the people out in force were antifascists who for the most part are intent on peaceful protest.

The extreme right wing were massively outnumbered. Even they know when there is no point kicking off.

No one is claiming that violence hasn't happened on both sides. However it is absolutely clear which side are more peaceful than the other, and which side have a desire to make their point with violence, intimidation and hate.