Patriotism not Racism

Patriotism not Racism

Like the majority of people around the country I was shocked and saddened by the brutal murder of a British solider on the streets of London last week.

I was on my way back from a short break in Cornwall when I originally heard the news on the radio.

As I was in the car driving I did not take in the fullness of the story of what and how this occurred, but I had a dark feeling about it and commented to my wife that this could cause big problems.

Once we were home and turned on the TV the full horror of the situation really hit home. Even though I do not know Lee Rigby or have any affiliation to the armed forces in anyway, but I felt a massive rush of grief and sadness as the story unfolded.

As a social network addict I did what comes naturally and took to my Facebook and Twitter accounts to take in the views of friends and followers. Amongst the RIPs and tributes there was also a massive amount of anger and patriotism sadly however there was also an element of racism bubbling along as well.

Having been born and brought up in Hackney I came across people from all ethnic backgrounds, I knew people from both sides of the Cyprus conflict for instance and people from India and Pakistan, Africans and West Indians. Later on moving away from London to Bedfordshire I then came across large elements of Italians and Yugoslavians (as it was then) as well as the original Polish community.

Over the years I have had problems/arguments with people from most of these communities in one way or another but I also have to point out that I have had issues and problems and arguments with a lot of white British Christian people at the same time!

I read a tweet from a guy called @spooky23 which said;

“I don’t care whether you’re gay, straight or Bi, I don’t care if you’re black or white. If you’re a cunt then you’re a cunt. “

This had not been written regarding the situation in Woolwich, I may have been written about a specific person for all I know, but whilst crude it is a fair comment. Being a burden on society, being a problem element is not based on race religion colour creed or sexual orientation. It comes from the person you are, the person you want to be.

I am proud to be English, my wife is English both sets of parents are English and both sets of our grandparents for both sets of parents are English. Beyond this who knows? People from all over the world have been coming here for as long as people could travel. They probably always will. Equally there are also British communities all over the world.

In the time of the great fire of London it was the French who were blamed as terrorists for starting the fire!

But did you know that now in terms of population London is the 4^th biggest French city?

The point is if you look at our culture our ways our language, all the things we hold dear they have all been influenced over time by the cultures and people we have come across in our lives.

The EDL, BNP and UKIP have had a surge in interest and support. And as well-meaning in their creation as they may have been these single issue parties are not the answer. Extremism from whichever direction will only divide us.

At this time unity and solidarity is what will overcome these difficult times. It is patriotism not racism that we need to promote.

And to the disaffected youth who are drawn towards a radical form of Islam you need to question how you became British in the first place.

Maybe your Parents or grandparents came to Britain seeking a better way of life for their families. They may have sought a place where they could practice freedom of religion and expression, freedom of speech, education and health care without fear of repression.

These are the things we all now take for granted.

However if you do not wish to live with non-Muslim’s and wish to follow Sharia law there are countries out there that have that, you can choose to go and live that life. That is your right.

If on the other hand you want to stay then feel free to, all we ask is that you contribute in your way and accept us in ours.

 

stolen from Facebook