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.

Not Muslim - with you in solidarity x

Thank you so much stormy
It's horrible isn't it, but please do be careful if ypu go on any anti-racist protests.
I live in a small town and we haven't had any riots here so hopefully it stays that way. I do think it's just a small minority of people that unfortunately act this way

Also I don't know if it has been mentioned that Keir Starmer has announced there will be extra security available for mosques who need it. I do think the government are trying and they do care, but this has just come on so suddenly and violently that it seems to have thrown everyone a little in the deep end on how to deal with it. This is very welcoming news to hear.

Sir Keir said Muslims had been targeted along with other minority communities, adding there were "Nazi salutes in the streets".
The Home Office on Sunday announced mosques will be offered greater protection with new emergency security.
It said mosques at risk of violent targeting can be provided with additional security personnel as part of a rapid security response to boost the work being done by local police.

https://news.sky.com/story/uk-riots-sir-keir-starmer-condemns-far-right-thuggery-13190805

This too shall pass. Bear in mind the racist idiots are a minority although they are very loud at the moment.

In my town which has one of the highest populations of people who follow the Islamic faith in the country the racists could only manage to turn about half a dozen bigots, thankfully.

What does worry me, however, is seeing some young Asian men pitching up to oppose these so called protests with their faces covered which suggests they are up for a fight. Clearly, the provocation from the racists is extreme - I abhor violence but given a brick and an opportunity would be sorely tempted myself. But please try and tell your brothers, sons, etc, not to rise to the provocation. They could ruin the rest of their of their live with a criminal record. That would be a tragedy and letting the racists win.

It's worth saying that I know some people worry about 'confronting' violent people. I've found that the best thing is to address the victim. Not the aggressor. Most of us don't want to face up to a bully in real life, it's scary. But sitting next to the person they are bullying, seeking help for them, getting an authority figure to address it, even asking if they are OK, being a witness, all helps. Both times a man stepped in to help me with an abusive man, they've started by asking, "are you OK?".

And I'm not surprised people are terrified; PoC, Muslims and other visible minority people. I watch those videos and feel the panic rising and I'm neither a Muslim, nor am I near the riots. Violent men rampaging through the streets cheering each others' illegal and abusive behaviour? It's horrifying.

But the mosques have to ask the LA for it, so I doubt in such a fast moving moment of time it would be quick to roll out.

Not muslim, but i stand with you here and my muslim friends and family.
it sickens me what has happened.
this has been an excuse to again bash the faith.
please all be careful going out

@MrsTerryPratchett I’ve just posted similar on the main “when will the riots end?” Thread that people go up and talk to people harassed. I think despite everything most muslims would go up to another POC to check they were ok, it’s more whether others would check that we were ok.

it’s more whether others would check that we were ok.

Yes. There's some fear, some bystander effect, some not knowing what to do. Even mouthing, "are you OK?" and seeking help if the person doesn't nod is something.

As a former SW someone once said to me, "you think everything is your problem" which I think is true. We forget how difficult it is for people to stand up and step in. Giving people the tools to do it helps. I'm been in slightly dodgy situations where I've stepped but said to someone else, a stranger, "call 999 if this goes wrong". People always say they will, they want to help, they are just paralysed by fear and ignorance.

When my DD had a very difficult and scary bullying situation at school, it was a lovely Muslim mum who stepped in. I've never forgotten her kindness. And bravery, because she caught some shit from the awful parents. We're a community.

@MrsTerryPratchett yes I agree. Please do join me in posting “what to do if you see someone stuck” advice on the other threads.

Last night friends (not white)who are randomly visiting one of the towns affected went out to see what was going on, asked a couple passing by what the noise was. They said it was getting nasty and probably best to stay indoors.

In the 80s my mum arrived in at Euston on the last train with me, and the NF were rampaging through she never forgot the kindness of the taxi driver who drove out of nowhere at speed opened the door and told her to jump in quickly.

It doesn’t take much but 5mins of someone’s time can make such a massive difference to someone else. Please be brave in real life (to everyone).

In the 80s my mum arrived in at Euston on the last train with me, and the NF were rampaging through she never forgot the kindness of the taxi driver who drove out of nowhere at speed opened the door and told her to jump in quickly.

Your poor mum.

I was around in South London during the bad old days of the NF and BNP and skinheads on the streets. I thought we'd moved forwards. Seems not.

It’s horrible to think the past was repeating itself.

I naïvely thought I wouldn’t have to explain to my children why people might actively try and harm us but it was quite horrible having the conversation.

Another non Muslim wanting to share solidarity and love

Not Muslim, but I have been thinking about how horrible and frightening this situation must be for Muslim and people of colour. I stand in solidarity with you 💐

Just came here to say what @MrsTerryPratchett said and express my sorrow and solidarity. Not Muslim either but my ex (and my DS) are Pakistani heritage and I can only express my disgust and sadness at what is going on. All words are inadequate right now.

Thank you for listening to me, literally feel my mental health is shot with the fear I feel.

Hi Ladies
I wanted to express my support for all my Muslim sisters from a non Muslim and to say that I am so sorry for what you are going through.
As a white woman from a Northern Town this thuggery is most certainly NOT IN MY NAME
Peace be upon all of you x

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c84jjv7kp1wo

Not Muslim and white. Would also not normally post here. Not in my name, either, or anyone in my family.

I’m travelling back to North East and have to change trains twice.

I feel sick with worry, I’ve been up for hours, I plan to lock myself in my house when I get back and not leave till things calm down.
Cancelling my hospital appointments as they are in Durham city centre hospital and I’ll feel too scared to go.

Trying to not keep mentioning my fears to my daughters as I don’t want them as scared as me.

Hello from a Roman Catholic; sending solidarity and support. 💐💐💐

The racism and moronic ignorance currently being displayed on UK streets is beyond appalling. I am so sorry that you are suffering so much from the fall out.

Not Muslim but want to say how horrified I have been by this minority who don't reflect the majority x

@meisafairy if you contact the stations you're changing at, you might be eligible for assistance in transferring between trains and platforms, if you explain you're a woman with health/mobility difficulties (guessing if you're talking about hospital appointments) who's travelling alone (or with children) and concerned about managing to get between trains safely. (And yes, mental health needs should count for eligibility for assistance). That way you could at least have a staff member with you as you move between platforms.

If the stations are bigger ones, they'll probably have a cafe or a shop - you could wait in one of those - or you could find the customer service office and stand next to it while waiting.

On the platforms, try to stand in view of CCTV and with your back against a wall ao nobody can get behind you. You can also message us on here while you wait, if that will help you feel more connected. If you have a personal safety alarm, keep that accessible too.

I’ve paid for an Uber from Alton towers to derby station rather than go near stoke.
Then straight on Edinburgh train to get off at Durham.

i use a rollator as I had a stroke last year.

thank you for your kindness I’m incredulous at how things are.

That sounds sensible - Stoke seems like a place to avoid at the moment. Which is a real shame, for Stoke as well.

I've travelled on the Edinburgh train through Durham quite a few times, and I've tended to find the latter bit (after York) is pretty safe. Lots of the passengers will probably be heading to Scotland, and we've been comparatively safe from this madness, so hopefully you'll have some nice people on the train with you.