We can all talk the talk but.........

We've supported BLM movement - we have supported the toppling of the Bristol Statue - we have expressed our horror at racism but has anyone done anything practical to support/help/encourage in any way anyone of BAME heritage ?

Or do we think that talking about/condemning racism is enough?

 

Would have and have done something in years gone by but getting on a bit nowadays.
Lost contact with many of the old campaigners but with them in spirit .
How about yourself ?

 

Was trying to encourage BAME students to join the Duke of Edinburgh Award before the Covid19 crisis, but this is on hold for a while. The numbers are pitiful - maybe 2 kids out of 75 - compared to white students. They are probably the ones who would most benefit, as a lot come from poorer neighbourhoods.

 

I'm trying to educate friends, family and BBS members.

I've stopped short of storming the Town Hall steps.

 

Talking about it isnt enough but listening certainly needs to happen. And things wont improve overnight but I honestly do think they will move forward. They certainly need to.

 

What we have to be careful is that we don't assume what is best for members of the BAME communities.
I wonder how many BAME people don't ascribe to the BLM movement - who are not bothered about all these statues - who are concerned that assumptions are made about their opinions - who don't like the notion of support movements for black people being taken over by white people (apologies for the generalisation.)

 

I'll voice my disgust at any ignorance, intolerance and bigotry whenever I want, thank you very much. I don't need your permission. Neither am I complaining 'on behalf' of anyone else. I don't need to be black to object to racists and their apologists. I don't need to be a vulnerable white girl to object to disgusting abuse perpetrated by Pakistani gangs, either.

 

Just that

 

Of course you have the right to voice your disgust at ignorance etc.
But what practical good has come out of doing that?

 

What practical good came out of insisting people didn't talk about Ben Parkinson as an inspiration? What practical good came out of attacking people on here for criticising Ched Evans? What practical good came from criticising people for voicing support for the disabled? What practical good came from insisting you were best placed to judge people from South Yorkshire, simply because you were born and brought up in Wales?
Practice what you preach before condescendingly lecturing others on what they can and can't discuss on here.

 

are you stalking my posts JLW ?

Of course people can discuss whatever they like - never said any different -
It's not unreasonable to ask who benefits from this BLM Movement and in what practical way do they benefit?

And could it possibly be counter-productive for some BAME people?

I don't know the answer to these questions but they may be considered.

 

Yes, you have said different. Which is why I chose those specific examples of what you have in the past decreed what folk on here can or cannot talk about. I have a decent memory, so you can keep making those pathetic, asinine jibes about 'stalking' till the cows come home.
Even if I don't agree with the comments of some posters, unlike you I don't ever try to stifle their opinions, or topics of conversation.

 

I honestly don’t know what you’re driving at tbh .
Are you saying protest etc won’t help the cause of BLK or do any good ?
If you are saying that I just don’t know how you come to that conclusion and that you have led a very sheltered life indeed .
History is full of protests and awareness making a difference .
I’m not going to go into specifics as the evidence is easily found on the internet but Apartheid was always thrown back at us saying protest outside of South Africa was pointless etc etc . It took a many years but we proved them massively wrong as Apartheid was abandoned because of outside pressure as well as in .
There’s just no basis for your suggestion whatsoever .

 

JLW - wrong!
show me where I 'lecture others on what they can/can't discuss' - never done it!

and why bring my heritage into your argument - a tad racist??

 

Nice try, dustani. In all those examples I've used, you've been the one trying to restrict what others should talk about, not me. Again, you were the one trying to use your heritage as to justify your judgement about Barnsley folk, not me.
I stand by every word I've posted on this thread and have no intention of dancing to the beat of your drum.

 

Ah Dustani. Blast from the past.

 

Donated to a few charities. Helping young people get out of poverty, helping the homeless. Also given to a couple of the bail funds in the US. Bail shouldn’t just be for the rich.

For me it’s not about race, it’s about inequality. It’s inequality that disproportionately affects BAME communities and that’s a huge problem, but the root inequality is what I’m choosing to help fight against.

Not going to talk about amounts, but hopefully I’ve made a difference. It’s all I’m able to do right now during the pandemic. As strongly as I feel, I’m not willing to risk my health or my wife’s health. Basically, I’m a coward.

 

Every little counts. Each according to their means in my book. But doing nothing and saying shouldn't be an option, change is needed.

 

To be fair anyone who volunteers, helps out or mentors at numerous charities through out England aimed at getting young black kids into and keeping them in education, away from gangs and giving them positive focuses in their lives will do more than BLM Global Network Inc will ever do.

 

Is that who it is? I didn’t think he seemed bonkers enough (until this current post, I’ll give you that) .