AIBU to report racist comments made by a couple the GP waiting room?

[rhomb]

At the GP practice this morning. The practice has screens around the waiting areas which come up with name of patient, medical staff and room number when called up.

I was sitting behind a couple who did a running commentary between them. They used racist terms on the foreign sounding names. Then when a name came up such as John Pearson “ooh a proper name”.

I moved seats as I got fed up with the racism. They decided to move (unsure why) next to me. Then carried on. I was in two minds whether to report them. The couple would know it was me that reported them.

I am sick of racist people.

Ahh sweet, that's nice for you. I'm glad that you don't think that Britain is racist. I presume that extends to not thinking there is any antisemitism either?

Disgusted by some responses to this post. 28% of the overall NHS workforce is black or ethnic minority. Almost 50% at the hospital and community health doctor levels. (www.ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.uk/workforce-and-business/workforce-diversity/nhs-workforce/latest/). Perhaps if they object to so much, they should seek out some alternative. Racism is abhorrent.
I can see why you would be tempted to report. I'd probably have done it on the spot, very loudly.

Oh ok, so you believe that the UK is a non-racist place, except for antisemitism which definitely exists? Okay then.

You are either AI or an arse hole. Goodnight.

I'm probably an arsehole, because I don't agree with you. Not to worry though!

So the only honest is one that denies there is racism in the UK? Ok 🤣

Omg. It’s like a parody.

🤣

Indeed! We need a laugh react 😂

Report them to your local councillor. Oh wait, unless…

...They'd turn up with a camera crew and high five the couple, then invite them for a Spoons brekkie? haha

you were in a GPs waiting room in Oman or Tokyo or Kuala Lumpur and everyone there was called Cheryl, Beverly, John or Blake... the locals would all be quite horrified and wonder why all these foreigners were taking over their country

Well yeah it might be strange to them since Japan and Malaysia didn’t go around colonising or enslaving British people then and exploiting their natural resources to build the nations wealth.

I think a lot of people ignore the historical context that has led to a lot of “foreign named” people living in the UK.

It’s unfortunate we don’t teach children more about Britains role in the empire and how many benefited for generations and how British taxpayers only recently repaid the compensation that was given out to slave owners by the UK government after they “abolished slavery”.

Not to mention all the refugees from countries that the Uk had a hand in destabilising it. In the case of the UK the large immigration population is a classic case of chickens coming home to roost. The country was built on the backs of foreigners.

Exactly 😂

It wouldn't be racist, it would be completely natural. I find it so odd that British people think wanting Britain to be majority British is racist.

Be clear - I think you mean majority white @PerryMenopaws Because people having “foreign names” doesn’t meant they’re not British.

But even then the majority of British population is white so not sure what you mean by “wanting Britain to be” it already is! It’s majority British too.

I think a lot of people ignore the historical context that has led to a lot of “foreign named” people living in the UK.

Yes, and also the amount of people from the West Indies with surnames originating from the British Isles - e.g. Williams, Campbell, Brown, Beckford...there are many names established there because of links to the slave trade.

British people aren't generally at all racist. They were in the 60s when my Mum got here, but they're actually really welcoming to everyone and protect everyone under law as equal.

@PerryMenopaws
As recently as the 90s the Met police were found to be institutionally racist. There’s current evidence of various systemic racism in the legal system as well as various other organisations. How do you figure that ties in with protecting everyone under law as equal?

I am not saying all British are racist but there’s plenty of them that are racist. Many people have been racially assaulted physically or verbally, sometimes in th course of their job. My friend a tiny Black British female nurse has been called racist names during her work more times than she can recall.

I certainly have experienced casual racism and racism within the workplace - and I’m a 90s kid btw.

There’s actually been an uptick in racist hate crime.

Quite recently this vile sick followed a Sikh woman into her home and raped her. “Justified” it by his hate of immigrants and Muslims. Just a couple of years ago many POC including myself were worried about going out during those August riots. I watched videos of yobs stop cars and check in them to see if they were white before letting them through. I lived near a city where I saw footage of a Black man being assaulted by a gang of rioters.

Again I’m not saying it’s all gloom and doom but don’t generalise to the extent of saying there’s very little racism.

Yep - the amount of people from Jamaica who hear my (Scottish) accent and tell me they have Scottish ancestry based on their surname.

They may or may not but what is clear is way back their family was enslaved (and/or raped) by a Scottish slave owner.

I grew up in Scotland and while at school you learn about slavery and civil rights in the US context, they are very quiet about their own part in the empire and slavery.

It's absolutely grim. I would hope that nobody of West Indian (or African) heritage was forced to be reminded of why their surnames were theirs, because they should not have to be defined by things that their ancestors had forced upon them. Hopefully they have been able to reclaim those names and use their awareness of the slave trade to educate themselves and others about their heritage, whilst having pride in their names being taken forward in a positive, fuck you way. I don't want to sound like I'm simplifying such a deeply complicated issue by saying that,though.

As for your previous post, I totally agree about the uptick in racist hate crime and I believe it is massively downplayed. I know from personal experience, as someone waiting for a court case for my perpetrator, that the majority of agencies don't care. "Oh, have you spoken to the Anthony Walker Foundation?" - No I haven't had time. They are a fantastic organisation but what with fighting to be heard by my employer, my social landlord, the NHS, the police and the CPS, I don't even have the energy to speak with my own mother. Thanks though!! Fucks sake.

I dont think sniggering about a name constitutes a hate crime! It isnt physical or verbal abuse, so that only constitutes inciting racial hatred whivh really doesn't apply here!

It's not her. It's you.

Your previous post was disgusting.

Thank you.

I had a post removed earlier for pointing out that if Jewish names had been commented on, there would have been a police presence demanded immediately.

Makes me think of the 'how to name your baby' videos.