May I post here re the current riots? I'm scared.

[IncompleteSenten]

I am white and my husband is black. We have 2 sons. My eldest son is at uni in Sheffield and I am frightened. I've pleaded with him to work from home rather than use the uni library right now.

I know if I post in the main mumsnet section I'll be told I'm ridiculous, people aren't racist, the UK doesn't have a problem, blah blah blah but I'm NOT. People ARE and the UK HAS!

I feel that my family is less safe here than I ever thought possible and me and my husband don't know what best to say to our children.

I would just like to say to any other white people who might read this, if you want to post to tell me that it's not a problem and I'm seeing things that aren't there and my sons are safe etc, don't bother. I don't want to hear white denial of racism and threats, I really don't and if that sounds aggressive, that's just tough.

I'm white and have seen racism as clear as day since I was a child. I don't understand people who can't see it. How many young black and brown lads have been murdered this year? Do you know any of their names? Have you seen their mums crying or their sisters telling you about who they were or what they were good at? No, nothing. They don't count. It's just pure racism and class prejudice.

I'm brown and experienced it in the 70s 80s when the NF were around, couldn't go many places without being called names, lots of people being attacked

It's good to be aware of what's going on but please don't let this fear try to stop your son doing normal things like going to the library, that's the sort of fear these people want to create in people.

I'm sorry, OP. There's a thread started by a Muslim MNer who is also scared. I'm white Irish in Ireland but DH and I are horrified and upset. I'm so sorry you're scared.

I'm really sorry this is happening. Love to your family right now xx

Thank you for the replies.
I would very much appreciate any suggestions on what I can do or say to my sons. I acknowledge my white privilege here that I only now find myself having to have these conversations but I want to focus entirely on how I can guide and support my sons and centre them in how I approach this if that makes sense. What can I do, What can I say, what can I change iyswim. What do I do that is not seen as me making it about me but gives my sons what they need right now when there are actual mobs out there smashing stuff up and looking for people who are not white just so they can chuck their hatred about.
(I respect the fact it is in no way the responsibility of black people to hold my hand through this! )

@IncompleteSenten

It's likely your sons will be incredibly clued up and well supported by their peers. They are well equipped to deal with and adapt to these situations at that age. One of the good things about this generation is they are far more diverse and knowledgable than the time I grew up in where you were just expected to put up with it.

I think you need to find some perspective for yourself, the world is full of threats, and coddling will not help anyone. Just try to find a way to be a safe place if they want to come and talk to you about anything and not let the fear take you over. Perhaps this is more about you talking to someone about your own fears to get perspective.

By the way this is also causing me anxiety too when walking around at the moment, but unless there's a nearby riot going on I'm not going to stay in and let it interfere with my daily activities.

I’m south Asian as are our two children, if we were still in the UK we wouldn’t be leaving the house at the moment. The increased racism is very scary, its the main reason we decided to leave the UK permanently.

Reported@Newcex

fucksake

I'm white and absolutely appalled at the current behaviour of these people. It's another excuse to be thugs. We want our country back - what the hell does that even mean!!

Fuck off

Yes fuck off.

OP I'm so sorry you're feeling scared like this.

The scenes on our streets are just sickening.

Reported @Newcex comment

I'm mostly white (three quarters and white presenting) and horrified by these riots. I'm sorry, I don't know what you can do. I'm a librarian and would like to think your son will be safe there though

Id really like to know what they said. I'm assuming it was exactly the sort of comment I'd specifically said I'm not interested in reading.

Why did they start?

Do you know where the library is from his rooms? Could he have a safe route?

My DD was in Liverpool until a few weeks ago. She is worried about her friends there. Even as white family we know that some people are racist.

He lives at home. He would normally get the train into Sheffield or the bus. We live in the peak district.

My sons are both autistic which adds an additional layer of vulnerability for them and means things must be explained in different ways.

Feels like we are going back in time doesn’t it?
My DS and his girlfriend are in Dorset at the moment the Weymouth protests yesterday worried me.

It really does.
We are dual nationals and I really am wondering if we should just fuck off the UK and go to Kenya.

My husband's been talking about going back for years now but it's been more of a retirement plan until now.

Sending a hug, I don't know what to say. I am horrified and embarrassed that this is happening

People can't see it because they choose to either ignore it or they think that behaviour is 'normal' - absolute scum.

@IncompleteSenten I'm White British, but White British friend {male} married a Black British woman, and he says he was never aware of the myriad ways people can express their racism until they married and had children.

He was clearly oblivious to it {As I probably am} it is lived experience that gives one the true experience of racism, and I absolutely understand how frightened you must be.

The oiks and idiots clearly set on violence in Rotherham yesterday beggared belief.

As someone else stated on another thread, even if ALL the Black or Brown people disappeared from the UK, these knuckle draggers would find someone else to hate.
An opposing football team, or someone from the next town.

I don't know what to suggest, but I do understand your anxiety.

I am a muslim and brown. You have every right to feel as you do. These riots, they aren't marches are anti Muslim. The hotel that was attacked was graffitied go home pakis.

They are racist riots no other words for them. Some will have you believing the majority are there to protest against the boats that's bs. They hate muslims End of.
Whilst i appreciate it you as poc are also at risk most of the hate is directed at Asians

An Australian person posted on You Tube under a UK riot video
that they too ''Wanted their Country back'' and a couple of people replied ''Are you an Aboriginal?''

Probably they are a ''Ten pound Pom'' or recent {last 100 yrs} migrant themselves.