Can we have an Asian and ethnic minorities board please?

[KenAdams]

I thought we were included on the Black board but I've been told in no uncertain terms its not for us so could we have an Asian and ethnic minority board please? Global majority is also fine. No one is excluded, everyone can post on it but it will be easier to note those posts that have a particular cultural element to them.

So. To make this a positive thread, those who DO want an AME section; how do you want it to look?

Section title?

Sub-section titles if any?

So for example, the Black Mumsnetters section is

Black Mumsnetters - with no separate sub-sections. This may change with time.

Why couldn’t they do a minority section with topics.

Because that's not what was asked for?
People specifically wanted a black space for chat and advice when needed, just like Scotsnet, doesn't mean they're running away and segregating themselves, or banished off the main boards or anything
Why are people feeling so threatened/attacked by people just wanting space like others do?

Quaagars Racism.

@Ginkypig

Everyone involved also clearly stated that no one was excluded as long as you used the board for the reasons it was intended.

Just like you wouldn't go on the fish board and start talking about your child's exams so the same logic applies to black mumsnetters board.

Yes, but it's intended to talk about things from black peoples experiences. So although we're welcome to use it we're not welcome to go and post on it talking about things from an Indian experience. That's why we're asking for our own board. So we can talk about things from the Indian perspective.

Yes but I would be welcomed if I popped onto Scotsnet to ask or discuss something. Would the same happen on the black board

Yes
Unless you're going to goad, post racist shit or barge in and make it all about yourself, then maybe not so much

Scotsnet is different. Tax, laws, currency ect.

Not the same thing

It's still a space for talking about Scottish things (for want of a better phrase lol)
This isn't any different.

@KenAdams

Can you reply to my earlier post please.

It would be good to get an understanding of whether your post is a genuine ask and why?

As per the host of subsequent responses, I'm concerned that your post has just been used as way to encourage more hostility toward that Black board.

What did/do you want to post that you think you're unable to in the main section, or what did you want to post in the black section that you were told you couldn't?

OhReallyThen

Are you asking for 'Indian only' or say 'Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi' 'Sub-continent' etc?

At the moment, I'm erring towards an AME section, with no further sub-divides.

Just wanted to pop in and say good luck with the board, I look forward to reading/contributing where appropriate once it’s up and running.

I’m not sure how it should be divided (AME, Asian, regional etc), but I’m sure you’ll make decisions that are good for you.

@Quaagars I am not taking anything away from the black mumsnet section. I think the problem is with MNHQ instead of BMN. There was a lot of people requesting a Section for minorities that they could share on the threads regarding BMN to which they were told (to quote Op) this section is for us & only us. It screams everyone for themselves, what would be the problem sharing an area? What would be the problem doing something for all Instead of one

FWIW the black mumsnet section is absolutely great for people who need it & I’m happy for them

"And that's fine if that is what people want, but stop calling me "white"."

You never even posted on the thread at that point. What makes you think I was talking to you? Bizarre.

We might all be different colours, but we're all human beings, why the need for all these separate sections?

Op has done a runner, 1st post in yrs.

@PurpleHoodie

OhReallyThen

Are you asking for 'Indian only' or say 'Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi' 'Sub-continent' etc?

Yes.

When I've mentioned the idea in other threads I've revived replies from lots of other Mnetters that they'd love and Indian Mnetters section.

Indian people are the largest minority in the U.K. We also experience lots of things that are unique to being Indian from dealing with hangovers from the caste system, to specific racism, finding places to hold traditional functions, things relating to food, clothes, marriage ect.

An AME board would include everything from us to Chinese people to Easter Europeans people and people from South America. It would just other us rather than actually giving us a place to talk about our own unique experience that come from being different minorities. Just like the label of 'BAME' does. There's all these talk of BAME issues, acceptance and awareness. All this does is means one group has just got a little more acceptance whilst the rest of us are still left on the outskirts but then we're told to celebrate because there's been BAME progress. We deserve to be recognised as different groups with different cultures, histories and needs.

There was a lot of people requesting a Section for minorities that they could share on the threads regarding BMN

Why should they have to share though?
There's nothing to stop anyone else requesting their own board like here.
Can you imagine posts and posts of people going onto Scotsnet and Craicsnet and saying we're all one UK, what are you segregating yourself off into here for, what about us in England and Wales, where's our board, this is so unfair?
If I felt like I needed one I'd ask for one and see if there was any interest.

@EdwardCullensBiteOnTheSide

We might all be different colours, but we're all human beings, why the need for all these separate sections?

Because white people decided that for thousands of years those of us who were 'different colours' were sub human and treated us as such. And some of those attitudes and institutions still overhang into modern day so sometimes we need a space to get away from all the discrimination.

Contrary what some have been claiming on this thread, some of us white people are very much ethnic minorities within the UK.

We get nasty looks when we open our mouths because of our non-native accents, we get told off when we publicly talk to friends or relatives in our native languages, people notice that our complexion, hair and eye colour may not be quite as pale as the locals, our family names and first names can be a be hard to spell and pronounce, we've got festivals, favourite foods/films/books and random customs that native Britons have never heard about, etc.

Heck, we've even got our very own immigration status (which may or may not survive the current Brexit negotiations), and all the lovely administrative procedures that come with it.

So why are some people so eager to deny the existence and unique experience of white minorities in the UK? (and by extension on Mumsnet)

OhReally

Fully understandable.

I think it might be better to start a new thread here in Site Stuff, or email MNHQ to highlight your posts.

Good luck

@Kaiserin

Contrary what some have been claiming on this thread, some of us white people are very much ethnic minorities within the UK.

We get nasty looks when we open our mouths because of our non-native accents, we get told off when we publicly talk to friends or relatives in our native languages, people notice that our complexion, hair and eye colour may not be quite as pale as the locals, our family names and first names can be a be hard to spell and pronounce, we've got festivals, favourite foods/films/books and random customs that native Britons have never heard about, etc.

Heck, we've even got our very own immigration status (which may or may not survive the current Brexit negotiations), and all the lovely administrative procedures that come with it.

So why are some people so eager to deny the existence and unique experience of white minorities in the UK? (and by extension on Mumsnet)

No one is.

I've said multiple times that I think every minority who wants or needs a dedicated board should have one.

Now I'm asking for an Indian one because I am an Indian woman and have seen the need for it. But if you feel the need for one for your culture/country/ethnicity then ask for it! I'll fully support you because I understand exactly why you would want it. But I can't ask for it because I don't actually know if it's wanted or not.

@Quaagars you’d think when people are minorities they’d help eachother out, if they don’t want to share fine. Then say No, I’ll help you request your own rather than just a blunt “No it’s for us”

Anyway, I’ve seen your username all over the other threads, there’s no point getting into a discussion with you. You have literally argued with almost every poster you could.

So much MeRailing going on.

Just like on PatrickRums threads.

@OhReallyThen I really don't think your request is asking too much. It's exactly what I thought people might want, and as I said in another thread, if MN created a few sections like 'AsianNet' etc without input from the appropriate demographic then it would be totally inappropriate. I understand that you're not currently in the right headspace to create a thread with your specific request but FWIW, when you have met your deadline, I think it's a great idea for you to create a thread in site stuff asking for what you need. Also, if there are any posters that you know of who have wanted the same, tag them and hopefully they can converse with you and MNHQ and make the space happen. I'm genuinely excited on your behalf. I'm not Indian, nor do I work for MNHQ, but if there's any way I can help then do let me know.

Why are certain posters (who aren't BAME) rehashing the black board discussion again and again over numerous threads? That's not the subject of this thread. The black section now exists. You risk turning lots of very varied and valuable threads into TAAT. You are not acting as allies. You are not helping.

Scotsnet was not a board created on the basis of race. It was a board created on the basis that Scotland has a separate legal and education and health system. When Scottish people posted on main boards, they were given advice for England or were accused of lying because their problems were related to specific Scottish issues. This shouldn't need explained but apparently it does - lots of people of different races live in Scotland. iirc no-one on Scotsnet has ever been asked their colour. Sometimes they are asked if they live in Scotland (to ensure advice is relevant before it's given) but not if they are 'Scottish'.