Niqab/burqa ban in Netherlands

Less I'm sorry you are going through bad times. If you don't care why not simply stop berating me here and in other places?

Nonnie, I actually dont care. trust me I am going through some stuff much closer to home which is way worse than this.

I am not a racist.

Less it is not an 'accusation' as you put it, it is my observation. Let me make it simple 'sounds like' does not mean 'you are' it means what it says. It must have been the way you wrote your post which led me to conclude that. I have an aversion to people who think they are superior to others and that is how it made me feel. I do not know what you intended, I simply know the way it came across to me.

There are now 2 threads where you have chosen to misinterpret what I've said and I wonder why?

Sounds rather patronising to me, as if you think in some way they are inferior to you. In fact it comes across as racist

Less I don't understand the question.

so Nonnie, does your hurtful accusation still stand?

Thanks Ellan I wanted to know the cause of that brawl. Why would that matter? I was brought up thinking clowns were funny but I think I heard about some unpleasant film where the clown was the bad guy. Is that the reason? I have to say there are quite a few things which people take offence at which wouldn't offend me but I wouldn't dare list them on here or the flack would fly

We Magoos couldn’t agree more !!!!

Look at that horrible brawl that ensued on the cruise ship because a silly idiot decided to dress like a clown. Yes, have a titter and a quiet remark but-------get on with what you were doing. You don't start a fight because of it. What's wrong with people that they feel they want a punchup at the least opportunity ? Mental cases !
This is the mad aggressive society that we live in and it's got to stop.

1. I have never called anybody a racist.
2. I in no way , consider myself better than anybody else.
3. I only mentioned the ESOL to defend myself against the accusation of racism.
4. I'm not a fan of the burqa but quite honestly, it doesn't bother me.
5. I think it's terrifying that people feel able to express views which up until relatively recently would have been seen as extreme right wing.

Of course some have different cultures, we live in a multi cultural country. I would even suggest that we have different cultures in London from in Cornwall or the North East. Hugely different cultures between UK and other European countries.

The virtue signalling is a phrase I sometimes use when I feel people are announcing something perceived to be better than others. If you’re not virtue signalling I apologise.
Unfortunately people often do ‘virtue signal’ and the subject of racism is a subject that often attracts such behaviour, whilst simultaneously labelling others as racist. Perhaps it would be helpful if the term racist wasn’t tossed around so liberally.
Anyway, I won’t use the term ‘virtue signalling ‘ again but maybe we could have less of the term ‘racist’ and instead concentrate on sensible discussion.

Sorry Rowantree, I did think your comment was aimed me. Sorry I upset you.

Is it like I'm saying " look at me, I'm so kind"?????

I would never have mentioned it, had I not been accused of racism.

VS seems to be maddyone's fave catchphrase. I don't know either, Lessismore.

It was also mainly aimed at the Netherlands' decision to ban the burqa

What does virtue signaling mean please?

Why is saying I have enjoyed helping out at an ESOL project virtue signaling?

maddyone I think that because my comment came after yours you assumed it was aimed at you! It wasn't: it was aimed at the OP's post. I can now see why you thought I was having a go at you!

EllanVannin there's no applause emoticon or I'd post one for you!

maddyone I have never accused you of anything! And please cease using your pet phrase - it does get irritating.

I can't understand the problem/s that most appear to have.?
Live and let live ! Some hope when you have groups of people ready to find fault. If nobody took any notice and stopped finding fault there wouldn't be the rank hostilities that we've got in this country.
Just leave people to get on with their lives however they wish.

So Rowantree, I’m racist am I? What a pathetic insult, it actually makes laugh Stop virtue signalling and say something worthwhile.

Terribull I've just returned from the Green Gathering festival where, dress-wise, anything goes! I've seen all sorts and marvelled at it.
It doesn't bother me what people choose to wear. However....I admit that I would feel uncomfortable if I was treated by a doctor whose facial expressions I can't see.

Riverwalk, I have lived elsewhere, dear...so I am able to compare this country with others. Yes, there are better places to live...Singapore for instance. Most of my family live in Australia, and I have had ample opportunity to join them, but the climate wouldn't suit me.

It's not the country I have a problem with....the country suits me very well...it's the people!!

What someone chooses to wear is entirely up to them, although as I have said previously, I do think that face coverings should be removed when entering a bank, building society or secure area. As has been mentioned previously the burqa, niqab etc. are not required to be worn by Islam - the requirement is for men and women to "dress modestly".