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Were you offended?

(610 Posts)
petra Thu 30-Jul-15 20:15:02

When David Cameron used the word 'swarm' in relation the the migrants in Calais.
The media are doing their best to make me think that I should be. I keep thinking about it, and I'm not.

thatbags Fri 31-Jul-15 20:10:50

Shrug. I just thought it laughable and typical of "offence-taking".

Ana Fri 31-Jul-15 20:09:29

That's as maybe, thatbags, but that way strikes me as rude.

Elegran Fri 31-Jul-15 20:08:40

When you said "So racism is now allowed thatbags and Gracesgran because the person complaining about the slur is being intolerant?" I think what you meant there was that thatbags and gracesgran were condoning racism, soontobe. I have not added anything to what you said, I did not need to.

thatbags Fri 31-Jul-15 20:07:27

No apology required, ana. It's just her way.

thatbags Fri 31-Jul-15 20:05:52

I think war zones and jungles are even more appalling, annieb. Of course proper homes in safe places are preferable. I don't believe I ever implied otherwise. I simply questioned the use of phrases like "far worse [than jungles]" and "not fit for animals", which I regard as excessively emotive and, quite frankly, mistaken.

Ana Fri 31-Jul-15 20:03:59

So no apology from you for your misinterpretation of the previous posts (which no one other than you saw as 'racist' in any way) soontobe?

soontobe Fri 31-Jul-15 20:01:00

You have added words that I did not say Elegran.

thatbags has now cleared up her posts by rewording them.

Elegran Fri 31-Jul-15 19:58:25

I am sure they knew when they set out that they would not be housed in luxury,and the preferred just being housed to what they fled from. Sometimes it seems that some posters search very hard for bad attitudes on the part of others.

Elegran Fri 31-Jul-15 19:54:51

Or perhaps your reading of thatbags' latest post is much better than your reading of her others, soontobe

I for one was not under the misconception that she was condoning racism or bullying by saying that there was a lot of intolerance around among those who keep being offended where they have no right to be - it was just your conclusion.

Anniebach Fri 31-Jul-15 19:52:55

Petra, my comments have been on the acceptance by you which seems to be their living conditions are suitable for them , - they are not, yes better than sleeping under the stars but it is an appaling place for anyone to live, being able to charge a mobile phone does not equal a roof, furniture and a place of security and safety. So no criticism of the French , just your and thatbags opinion on the slum

Ana Fri 31-Jul-15 19:29:00

So much for 'leaving it'...

soontobe Fri 31-Jul-15 19:23:26

Your answers to mine are much better now thatbags, thank you.

rosequartz Fri 31-Jul-15 19:17:00

A swarm of bees is not a plague. Bees swarm when they're looking for somewhere new to live. Sounds like the perfect word to describe large groups of people who are looking for somewhere new to live

What a sensible answer by thatbags!

Labour need to draw attention from their internal problems and anyone else who criticises and is in a position to do something about the crisis is merely deflecting from their own incompetence.

thatbags Fri 31-Jul-15 19:16:37

That's partly why I'm enjoying it, roses.

rosesarered Fri 31-Jul-15 19:13:55

This thread is becoming more surreal by the minute!

thatbags Fri 31-Jul-15 19:06:46

In which case, I'd like to modify my comment and change "all" to "a good deal".

petra Fri 31-Jul-15 19:05:31

Anniebach. What would you suggest? The French have supplied the tents, electricity, water. I can only think of purpose built brick buildings.
And who is going to pay for that?

thatbags Fri 31-Jul-15 19:04:55

Oh, right. I've found it. This one: "I think it is lack of tolerance that drives all the offendedness that one hears about nowadays".

No, I did not mean by that comment that people who complain about racism are intolerant. So, as I used it, it did not mean that. Racism did not enter my head when I made the comment. I suppose, by a stretch, it could mean that but it would depend on the exact thing being complained about and what was being called racism, etc, etc.

I hope that answers your question.

thatbags Fri 31-Jul-15 19:00:23

annieb, I may be mistaken in thinking that the migrant camps are better than war zones or jungles with no amenities, even if they are not ideal, but that is what I do think. I think it because I think I'd prefer to be in a migrant camp than a war zone or a jungle. However, if you wish to think my question unworthy of an answer, go ahead.

soon, sorry, what question am I supposed to answer?

Anniebach Fri 31-Jul-15 18:47:26

thatbags, I find your question not worthy of an explanation , we obviously have the very opposite opinions on a human beings right to dignity and respect

soontobe Fri 31-Jul-15 18:29:55

You have not answered the question thatbags.

We will have to leave it at that.

thatbags Fri 31-Jul-15 18:27:52

annieb, how is a place where there is food and where there are shops and tents to sleep in and places to charge one's electronic stuff "far worse" than a jungle?

thatbags Fri 31-Jul-15 18:24:51

BTW, I am not offended that something I said was thought racist but I am amused by the silliness "non sequiturness" of that idea. I hope you have a nice evening too, soon.

soontobe Fri 31-Jul-15 18:13:53

I think I thought that your post was carrying on from thatbags' post Gg, but maybe it wasnt, so I'll leave it at that and hope you have a nice stressfree evening.

Elegran Fri 31-Jul-15 18:12:01

Your logic fails you, soontobe, in trying to argue from one point to one that is completely unconnected.