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 felt similarly yesterday as a parent to mixed heritage kids (2 are also autistic so I understand that fear too).

I found reading about how many people came out in anti-racist protests against the EDL protesters/mobs reassuring.

Sheffield was one of the areas where they were greater in number.

https://socialistworker.co.uk/anti-racism/anti-racists-stand-up-to-the-far-right-across-britain/

https://standuptoracism.org.uk/anti-fascist-protests-around-the-uk-live-reports-sunday-4-august/

I'm brown (well with some Black ancestry) and you're not wrong OP
My husband is white and worried for my safety. We cancelled plans to go out in Manchester this weekend... Waiting and seeing for the next couple of weeks.

Don't worry about being called aggressive@IncompleteSenten you are white so it will not apply to you😉. But seriously, you are not wrong to worry about your Husband, and sons more than you usually would, at this time. I am so dismayed by what is happening. It is such a stark reminder that to some people the colour of my skin means that I am just tolerated. On top of the normal racism I experience in my day to day life. Is it any wonder that we might display anger now, and again. We are under constant attack. I am feeling so many emotions right now, I am sick of it all. I hope you and your family stay well. Just keep talking to your sons, as they need to understand the way in which they will be viewed by others, and build their confidence up, so that they have some amour to deal with life in general. These are probably what you, and your Husband are doing anyway, but yes our children do need the building up in confidence, because Society at large will be doing the opposite to them.

Not one of my kids is the same colour - neither are my husband and I. I never thought that I would be having the conversations I am with them today .one of my sons wants to go to uni next year and I have one at uni anyway . My heart breaks for this pulll back to my childhood : the words and the hatred . Awful . I wish there was more on those who are being prosecuted.

Also I'm not from the UK and my country of origin has issued a travel warning... This is unprecedented.

We're also a neurodiverse family frankly that's one of the things keeping us here. While attitudes aren't perfect they're far better than in my country of origin and most other places.

I honestly don't know what the world will look like in 10 20, 50 years. Will we go backwards or forwards? What will we choose at major inflection points?

Migration has always happened throughout human history... It's not new.

Thank you @IncompleteSenten for setting up this chat. I see no dialogue for a family like mine but now there is thanks to you xx

5 people and a dog turned up on the edl side in yesterdays Sheffield erm 'meeting'

x.com/theTWOCfather/status/1820063192019571069

I would.

I don't care how it 'shouldn't have' to be like that but if I had a choice, I would not stay where there was rampant and open hatred by a minority of the population against me or my kids.

Many in the UK have always been racist. It isn't new. It was just hidden better.

Really? How do you know who they were if they were all covered up, as you say. I have not been aware of groups of Asian men attacking, and attempting to set fire to a hotel either.

Bolton yesterday

Can you share a photo or any evidence ? Any videos of their hare crimes ? Because we have 100s we can share of hate rioters.

Hate not hare crimes !

Were they stopping white drivers from going where they wanted to, dragging them from their cars, and attacking them. Were they setting fire to a building housing people?

I hear you OP, and I sympathise. As a ‘white passing’ minority, I am gutted and outraged on behalf of family, friends and anyone who is affected by this upsurge of racism.

Spending time in the company of people who understand and have your back is important to prioritise, especially if times are more challenging.

If you’re white and reading this, please reach out to friends and acquaintances, check how they are doing and suggest meeting up to do something nice if you can. Could be something simple like a coffee. Or a longer chat with that mum at the school gate who you smile at but don’t know.

Somebody asked where it happened as they hadn't seen it reported. I answered their question as it was reported.

I'm not here to say if they were worse/better than white people. All the rioters of all skin colours are scum in my opinion.

I am so sorry Op and other posters that you feel unsafe. I don't recognise this country at the moment, and I am ashamed at what is happening.

I feel sorry for everyone living in fear right now.

But if there is a silver lining it is that now people will have to accept that the Uk has a serious racism issue, which many people would have denied before.

I am not going into any city centres today and I’ve told my DC to do the same.

There is meant to be a protest riot in Plymouth today which is where I work and usually go to the centre after work, but the councillor has told people to stay home if possible and not give them any ammunition.

He has called them racist extremists, which they absolutely are and I’m glad he’s not been shy about saying it.

If any other race did this people would be taking it much more seriously.

Wait…so white people are allowed to do this, carry weapons, attack strangers, set fire to homes and police cars, break into people’s homes etc but no other group is allowed to fight back or protect themselves?

These are not the trouble makers.
These aren’t the men going around attacking innocent people.
These are the men fighting for everyone who is afraid of being attacked by these thugs.

There are plenty of anti-protest groups who have been trying to help control these men.

Many of these people are white - it’s funny how you haven’t included these in your observation.

Well said. My DD looks white and is feeling exactly the same .

So sorry you are having to consider this OP. It’s so depressing & makes me feel quite ashamed of this country. I really hope you get to enjoy your holiday in Cornwall.

Hi OP, I'm sorry you're scared.its completely understandable. I'm also white and have an Asian husband and children. For the first time ever, I've been worried about them too.
To be honest, I don't know what the answer is. I feel very uncomfortable about brown skinned hiding away indoors. Firstly, it's not healthy (mentally) to hide away and secondly, it feels like a victory for the racists. However, I do understand the fear and the desire protect our loved ones.
I live in Leeds and I've been really pleased to see many black and Asian people out and about, living their lives as normal. It felt like their presence was important - it showed they're a part of the city no matter what the racists think.
Even on Saturday, when there were far right riots in Leeds, the black and Asian people were just walking around the thugs and getting on with their shopping.
My DH has decided to carry on as normal, he's been out in Leeds and Manchester and so far so good.

I’m white (EU national), my man in black. I’m frankly terrified for him and didn’t even let him go to Tesco’s this weekend (we’re in a Northern town and I’ve heard plenty of racist shit being said even in the local shop).
I was stressed out when he left for work this morning. I ran all the errands this weekend. Couldn’t sleep for worry that he’d get beaten up. This whole thing has sent my anxiety sky high and I am finding it hard to be calm and rational. He doesn’t seem too worried, but went along with it and stayed inside, nice and safe, but for the love of God, he should be safe to walk the streets!!!!!

Sorry, had to vent. I know how you’re feeling OP. I’m having awful heart palpitations from anxiety today. It’s all so fucked up.

Hi OP- so sorry to jump on your thread but I understand how you feel. I’ve just had a message from my GP surgery saying they are closing early as a protest is planned in my local area, I am Muslim and live in a very diverse place. I feel sick and terrified.

I'm so sorry this is happening OP. I wonder if you can contact your son's uni and ask what support they are putting in place for their students? I don't know what universities are doing, but they have a duty to support their students at this time, and I'm sure it affects many of them. Sending you support. The government needs to get a grip on this and fast.