Re: Riots in the UK
 

But you don't have freedom, do you? You're still under the yoke of the Brits, those that emigrate to Australia are so far from the spirit of freedom, that they chose to remain under the realm of the Queen. I urge the citizens and residents of Australia to embrace freedom, you too can have what we have, but first you need to throw your tea in to Sydney harbor.

Re: Riots in the UK
 

Given she lives in Perth, she's got a bloody long way to go mate:lol:

Re: Riots in the UK
 

Who had a riot and broke the site?

Anyway, from the Beeb and a gentleman who lives in Tottenham.

The stall's owner, Bob Thompson, said he is a bit wary and keeping alert, but Tottenham was a good community.

"There are 47 different nationalities in this area and we've been here 20 years and never had any problems at all...
...And his message to people in the area?

"Relax and try to get back to normal."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14511109

A wise gentleman.

And not that anyone much will, or even needs to, listen - I expect Australia is a lovely place. Some of my best friends, etc. etc., Some of whom used to inhabit this site. The fact that there is the odd racist about, one of whom I stepped on in the Barbie, and a lot of knee-jerk xenophobia on the part of people being told what to think by the Daily Wail, in no way differentiates the country from the rest of the world really.

There is no excuse for racism or xenophobia or any such absurd and ignorant prejudices. It's all a)despicable and b)very boring to listen to, and judging by karma messages I got there are plenty of people in the Oz forums who agree with that.

I have no idea why the Barbie seems to have become so overexcited by one spat - I've been annoying people on this forum for years and have never created such excitement before. I must have hit a nerve. Or else it's the heat. If it will help do away with repugnant prejudices, then I will keep on hitting as I see fit. Anyone is welcome to disagree, of course.

We Yanks are generous like that.

:)

Re: Riots in the UK
 

cheers cobber!

Re: Riots in the UK
 

Hear you loud and clear! I am a US citizen, born and bred. I am also a UK citizen through my parents and an Aussie through my mum (I am also Canadian, but that doesn't matter to this discussion). If you look back at some of my posts, I also had a dust up with some of the Aussies; again circulating on the concept of racism and stereotyping of Americans in Oz. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Oz, and might retire there someday. From my experience, Aussies tend to be relaxed and very simple. Though they may be ignorant, they are willing to learn and accept outsiders, as long as the outsider is willing to do the same. I find that the Brits who immigrate there can be rather ignorant and narrow-minded. They think they know best and use the argument of free speech to recklessly throw around racist ideology and xenophobia. It is truly a shame. It is very disheartening to come from a country like the US (though with it's many problems, always an accepting country), to see people post in the way some do on these forums. I know I am going to get a lot of flack for this but I think it has to do with the lack of education some of the Brit immigrants have when they move to Oz. Nothing wrong with having very little education, but when that is coupled with 'holier than thou' attitude and an unwillingness to learn and adapt, it wreaks disaster. 99% of the Brits on that forum are great people, but that unfortunate 1% is deeply disturbing and unforgettable.

Re: Riots in the UK
 

Indeed, freedom is rarely bestowed upon us without requiring some investment of time, energy and sacrifice from us. If freedom is truly valued, then the trip from Perth to Sydney with a chest of tea will be made. I fear, however, freedom is not close to the heart of some Perth residents.

Re: Riots in the UK
 

I should probably clarify that I'm not really a Yank, somebody just confused me with one :D. But I do live in the U.S. and have for some time. I grew up in a London that was deeply divided - in some ways it was one of the most tolerant (and varied) cultures in the world,yet it was the same city that had "Paki bashing" as a Saturday night sport.

I don't think it's lack of formal education that causes prejudice and racism - I've certainly met plenty of it among those who spent many years in school and at university. I don't really know why it happens, since it seems to cross all economic and social boundaries although it's expressed in different ways.

We are obviously just doing something wrong that we turn out people like that. Where I work, the building was racially segregated as late as 1968 (and no, I wasn't working there at the time :p). Most people didn't see anything wrong with that, or if they did, they didn't speak up and they didn't do anything.

Mostly, I believe that those of us who don't have those sorts of prejudices just need to speak up loud and often, so that that sort of talk doesn't feed on itself and so that people don't ever feel that it's acceptable.

Re: Riots in the UK
 

I am indebted to Edmund Burke ("good men do nothing") and Martin Niemoller ("they came for the ....") on occasions for getting me to make a post or say a word, when it might be easier for me to be quiet. Sometimes gets me in trouble, but when they have spurred me to action I have never regretted it.

Re: Riots in the UK
 

An honourable attitude.


PS: I just had a look in the Goa forum at the riot thread there, and rather wished I hadn't. Dear god what is the matter with these people? They are my countrymen and it's embarrassing.

Re: Riots in the UK
 

Don't.

Don't ever feel embarrassed or apologize.

Take it from me, a yank. Sometimes the stupid portend to speak for us but, in reality, they don't say anything and they never will.

Re: Riots in the UK
 

There was a BNPer in there. So some only slightly right-wing people saw off the fascist. This was a net gain.:blink:

Re: Riots in the UK
 

Yeah, I saw it. I'm bleaching my brain in retaliation.

PS - For all of the Oz fuckwits who have been sending me insulting karma messages while failing to post to me directly in this thread - go fuck yourself blue. Cowards.

PPS - Sad karma threats are so 2009. :rolleyes:

Re: Riots in the UK
 

Really? All I got was positive karma from Oz inhabitants who are as sick of the xenophobia as the rest of us.

Of course, now I've said that.........

Re: Riots in the UK
 

How many death threats is it on your head now? :blink: :lol:

Re: Riots in the UK
 

Kimilseung is doing good work in there though.