Hope you’re all doing ok

[MrsBrightsidde]

After yesterday’s horrific attack in Southport, the usual Islamophobia and racism has jumped up as per usual. Whilst there is no indication the suspect was Muslim and the police have confirmed it’s not terror related, the speculation and accusations on social media were rife, with many still claiming it’s why Islam should be banned in the UK and we should all be sent back.

And that is tough, because the sadness over what happened is magnified by fears for our safety and our future. So just thinking of you all and wanted to say hope you’re ok.

That’s horrible 😟😳 have any of the other kids said anything to them? Would it be possible to let them play out the front with you supervising? I used to being out a chair and a puzzle book to watch my kids in the street sometimes (wasn’t a cul de sac).

Not that it should be necessary at all 😞

@Scirocco No, we didn't. At the time we didn't think much of it. It's only after I spoke to the other neighbours and realised it was only our house.

@EllaDisenchanted aww thank you Ella. Yes I do sometimes sit outside with them and also sit by the window where I can see them whenever they are outside but I feel its best to just lie low for awhile until things calm down. As a family we look very visibly muslim so best to take precautions.

Not a Muslim.
I stand with you.
And I am so sorry and beyond disgusted at what's happening. My heart goes out to your community. Please know the vast majority of us condemn the actions of these violent criminals.

@EllaDisenchanted none of the children have said anything thankfully. Our neighbours are all really really lovely 😊

That's awful @Parkingt111 I'm sorry you've had to go through that. It's hard to not feel like it's targeted with everything going on isn't it. In Sha Allah a one off and won't happen again.

Not Muslim, and I hope you do not mind me posting. I just wanted to send my love and solidarity to you all. What is happening on our streets is horrific, I for one will fight against racism till my dying day. We are many they are few.❤

Devout British Christian here-I stand with you

We're also very visible, so I know exactly what you mean. It is really really not ok that you have been pushed to a position to feel the need to be 'less visible' at the moment for safety 😔. Sending you lots and lots of love 💞💐

If any of you ladies feeling you need to stay low just now are near to East Midlands and fancy a walk / coffee / natter
Please let me know and I'll happily arrange---- something
Love to all 💐

I'm black and I quite frankly find it quite terrifying is quite scary and I haven't been out at all this weekend.

earlier I had some shopping delivered and the delivery driver he was also black had had quite a lot of abuse today when delivering shopping

That sounds horrible @MotherOfRatios . The poor delivery driver. It is all completely wrong. It’s just horrible what these thugs are achieving. It’s sensible if they are protesting (hate march) to stay in but it’s also wrong that they are forcing people to stay in.

Some of the videos are horrific. I can’t imagine how frightening it must have been for the people inside the hotel that was set on fire. Its all so horrible.

We’ve sat down and had the chat with our older son. It’s really hard as one of my children could pass for white while the other looks more mixed. DH is white (converted when younger) so is frequently called traitor when he has previously come across these types of characters.

I’m also furious with the bbc describing people protecting the mosque in Blackburn as protestors. They went out of their way to say they said Allahu Akbar like they were all suicide bombers. If you watch the video of beforehand, they’re literally saying we’re here, it’ll be scary, we’ve never had to do this but we need to do this and gather strength and when they come don’t say anything.

And after all this Tommy is sat sunning himself in Cyprus!

It makes me so fucking angry that people are being treated this way.

I’m sorry you’ve felt unsafe all weekend, and I’m sorry for the delivery driver too. I feel completely helpless right now. The counter protesters outnumbered the rioters significantly in my city this weekend, I was away or I’d have joined but it still doesn’t feel like enough.

I'm in London, but need to go back north to see my family and I just don't think it's worth it. It's very scary times.

I'm so sorry that happened to you @Parkingt111 I hate that innocent people are being made to be afraid. I send you support and prayers, and will attend any anti racist marches I can. We don't have any planned riots near us as in the south west, but people here are absolutely horrified by the far right attacks and riots. A few vears ago we had our house egged twice, and the police said they would report it as criminal damage, so possibly worth talking to them.

We’re heading north in the next couple of weeks. What should be lovely family times just feels as if it is going to be stressful. This reminds me of being very little and worrying about who you’d meet in the services.

I stand with you!

I’ve been at a theme park for a few days, need to head back to the north east small town I live in Tuesday by train and I’m terrified, panic attack after panic attack.

I feel I’m living in a parallel world.

if I hadn’t moved north east I woul have been homeless after divorce so at least I could buy a home and not have to worry.

Asians are far and few between where I live. My daughter is at a sen school and settled so moving isn’t an option.

We don’t bother anyone we live quietly.

im recovering from a stroke and truly the worry is immense.

Never felt fear like this and regret so much.

im sending myself insane.

Sorry I know I’m not a Muslim, I have no religion I’m just a British born Indian who is terrified.

I keep telling myself to get a grip
then I panic and cry

Holding your hand @meisafairy .

Everyone who isn’t with the racists needs to unite. You know someone is a POC check in on them, see them alone being bothered go and say hello. People have been dividing us and othering us for ages. Stand together.

I'm not Muslim and I apologise for posting in this space, when I can't even imagine how you are feeling but I just wanted to say that I'm ashamed and embarrassed of what is happening at the moment.

This is a very loud and obnoxious minority. Watching the local community in Southport come together to rebuild the damaged walls outside the mosque, the day after the riots gave me some hope for our communities.

We stand with you and the only thing that I can do is promise to be your voice when you're not around.

Love to you and your families ❤️

I'm so sorry and ashamed that this is happening. I'm an active Christian but would stand to protect a local mosque if it was needed.

Please be aware that so many of us are not remotely the same as these utter arseholes

@meisafairy we are all thinking of you and supporting you. Please, keep using here as a safe space to talk things through.

And to everyone posting support, thank you - JazakAllah khair. This means the world to so many of us, to know that you all stand with us. I hope everyone stays safe.