Black woman living in Norfolk

[Hulke]

I've had it all. Someone thought I had kidnapped my son because he was having a tantrum and shouting 'mummy' and asked if he was mine then alerted security (he is half white and very fair skinned), people touching my hair, making inappropriate comments etc etc. How do you cope with the constant racism and ignorance? My family all live here, I don't want to move and don't think I will, I couldn't be away from that support network, especially as I am a lone parent and see my family most days. Any advice on how to react to these comments and not be bothered by them? (though I'm sure the latter is not possible!)

Sending you hugs. I'm sure wise help will arrive shortly.

When I read things like this, I honestly wonder wtf is wrong with people. How is this still happening?!

There are fewer black people in Norfolk than other parts of the country, although Norwich is becoming more diverse. In the villages, attitudes are still old fashioned. I moved up here from London and don't regret it, but people's attitude to London, which some of them have never visited, is very biased. I'm sorry you're going through that, but I think its typical of isolated places. I had friends visiting from Zimbabwe and they were very obviously stared at.

Oh gosh. Norfolk is one of the worst for this type of racism. If it makes you feel any better the native norfolkians are know for having a thick as pigshit streak in a minority of people. Their driving is atrocious and so rude. My family moved there from London and all comment on it. Not one of the most racially diverse counties I'm afraid.

They also hate the Eastern European's who came for the work if it makes you feel any better, although they blend in more easily.

I’m really sorry you’ve experienced this, I can’t believe this still happens. Did no one stand up for you? They touched your hair!? This makes me feel such rage on your behalf. At the very least , why can’t people just mind their own business or even actually show you some bloody solidarity and kindness in the middle of dealing with a child having a difficult day. I live in Norfolk (I’m white) and I am so sorry this happened, I don’t have any advice for obvious reasons, but I hope that next time someone shows you some grace and respect.

I live in Suffolk, after living in London for 20 years. You say support network - does this include other global majority people?
I have some incredible friends here who I can turn to when I experience racism. In fact, I run a community interest company which partly focuses on tackling rural racism. The challenges here are very different to London with many people at ground-zero in terms of being educated and sensitised to racism, bias, etc.