Islamaphobia is getting out of control

I think it is very alarming that politicians are afraid of these disgusting violent people . The danger is they will not speak their mind for fear of retribution. That’s not democracy is it ? The police should do something about it and they should not be allowed to crowd round parliament. Whoever they are supporting.

GrannyGravy13

I have also seen men and women covering their faces on the pro-Palestine marches Galaxy

We will not go into London on a Saturday whilst these marches continue.

We do - as do my family - never think about it. We know where they are taking place so avoid that area if we don’t want to be held up. Otherwise would choose another day.

But I support a democratic right and the minor inconvenience is a price worth paying, if you think of the alternative.

As I have said nothing to do with muslims, I would spend my life terrified at work if that was the case.
Over the past few years those who think they are right and wear that 'rightness' like a badge, scare me.

I went on many protest marches, never like the marches in London we now see, I have never stood outside anyone’s home protesting . To compare the London marches re Palastine with
previous marches? no comparison

I have also seen men and women covering their faces on the pro-Palestine marches Galaxy

We will not go into London on a Saturday whilst these marches continue.

I have seen the men in masks, I can again pretend I havent. So those marches scare me. The slogans scare me. I dont live in London so I dont have to make decisions about it. I wouldnt organise a holiday to London at the moment mainly because of the risk of disruption.

SeaWoozle

I think it's very easy to try to "lump" people into particular boxes because of their politics, beliefs and views. I'm probably slightly guilty of that (though for the most part it's tongue in cheek as to what I think about DM readers!) I was brought up by parents who were, at the time, staunch Tories, adored Thatcher and though striking miners were scumbags (Thankfully they've mellowed hugely!)
Equally, working in retail selling newspapers, you get a good measure of readership, demographic AND the comments & conversations which take place in the brief moments of a sale. So my comments aren't unfounded. But to also suggest that anyone who is deemed "left wing" isn't scared of terrorism, being harassed by large groups of people or scared of being assaulted is foolish. I don't like big crowds or gangs of people.. If I'm on the Tube my brain will, on occasions, go into overdrive and think all manner of awful scenarios. I'm fully aware of the fact that there people out there who want to cause others harm. The difference is, I try my best not to let this interfere with my politics. It is entirely possible to have reasoned debate without blaming an entire faith/race/culture for the misdemeanours of a few and allowing that to hinder our rational thinking.

Good post.

I try not to walk past a rowdy gang of young men because I have this (almost certainly unfounded) fear, and because I can’t run anymore. But on the other hand I can’t remember seeing a gang of young men to walk past - so I need to get a grip.

I am not frightened of walking past a person of any faith - never occurs to me.

I have taken part in many protest marches in my time so protest marches hold zero fear for me.

I am a bit frightened of bully dogs and would give them a wide berth if I have my terrier with me.

I very occasionally tramp around the streets in the middle of the night if my dog has an upset tummy - never frightened, but I once did change direction because a chap was stood alone in the shade.

I think it largely is a case of getting a grip and being stern with yourself and talk common sense into your brain.

Police will be given new powers to arrest protesters who wear face coverings under new laws cracking down on disorder, ministers have announced. Demonstrators flouting an order to remove their mask could be jailed for a month and fined up to £1,000

Source The Independent

Galaxy

Oh I dont think those on the marches particularly represent muslims, I think they represent those who think they are progressive and right and will pretty much do anything to make this point. I am generally quite scared of those people. Men in masks scare me. I can pretend they dont if you want.

Galaxy there were few if any men in masks at the last London march.
The evidence is here eu.usatoday.com/videos/news/world/2024/02/23/crowds-of-protesters-call-for-ceasefire-during-marching-in-london/72641539007/
There's more here. Not a mask in sight
news.sky.com/video/thousands-of-pro-palestinian-protesters-in-central-london-for-global-day-of-action-13047780
Ordinary people marching because they care.

I think it's very easy to try to "lump" people into particular boxes because of their politics, beliefs and views. I'm probably slightly guilty of that (though for the most part it's tongue in cheek as to what I think about DM readers!) I was brought up by parents who were, at the time, staunch Tories, adored Thatcher and though striking miners were scumbags (Thankfully they've mellowed hugely!)
Equally, working in retail selling newspapers, you get a good measure of readership, demographic AND the comments & conversations which take place in the brief moments of a sale. So my comments aren't unfounded. But to also suggest that anyone who is deemed "left wing" isn't scared of terrorism, being harassed by large groups of people or scared of being assaulted is foolish. I don't like big crowds or gangs of people.. If I'm on the Tube my brain will, on occasions, go into overdrive and think all manner of awful scenarios. I'm fully aware of the fact that there people out there who want to cause others harm. The difference is, I try my best not to let this interfere with my politics. It is entirely possible to have reasoned debate without blaming an entire faith/race/culture for the misdemeanours of a few and allowing that to hinder our rational thinking.

By all means abhor the behaviour of those showing anti semitic behaviour on the marches as I do but do not suggest they represent "Muslims" or "Arabs" because they do not. They represent a small vocal section of people on the marches with extreme racist views.
Indeed, but that is the problem. No one appears to be controlling these thugs, so confidence in order and safety is lost. People become wary and scared.
As an aside, we came across a small rallye supporting Palestine whilst in Dam Square, Ansterdam, last month. A peaceful group handing out a few leaflets and drinking coffees. No chanting, no aggression, absolutely fine, and more effective than some of the thugs seen on the rampage in London.

Oh I dont think those on the marches particularly represent muslims, I think they represent those who think they are progressive and right and will pretty much do anything to make this point. I am generally quite scared of those people. Men in masks scare me. I can pretend they dont if you want.

foxie48

I subscribe to the Guardian, Telegraph, Washington Post and New European and am an avid Googler. In every publication I find views I agree with and some I don't!

Back to the topic, according to the 2021 census 6% of the population said they were Muslim. This 6% will represent a very wide range of views and religious observance.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/constituency-data-religion/
Social cohesion comes from tolerance and this current rise in Islamaphobia is very destructive and based on untruths. Most Muslims, like most Christians, Jews and those of us without faith are law abiding people who are more interested in the well being of their family and neighbours than creating disorder. Putting the spotlight on the behaviour of a minority of people and suggesting they are representative of the whole is a recipe for creating dissent as well as being frankly "racist". I've used that word because IMO that is what it is. By all means abhor the behaviour of those showing anti semitic behaviour on the marches as I do but do not suggest they represent "Muslims" or "Arabs" because they do not. They represent a small vocal section of people on the marches with extreme racist views. If we agree with people like Anderson we are doing the work of extremists for them because they thrive on social chaos and disorder.

👏👏

Christianity is still statistically the biggest religion in the UK. Muslims currently make up under 7% of our overall population and is the second largest religion, followed by Hinduism.

I feel quite shocked by some of the comments on here! I live in Essex, only a 45 mins train ride from London, where I worked for many years in the private sector before becoming a Civil Servant much later in my professional life.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with many different diverse communities, I’ve met and know many, many peaceful and hardworking Muslims.

My adult children regularly travel to London for both work and leisure, I NEVER worry about them, one travels every week to London with no worries or issues.

Unlike some people I don’t confuse ISIS and Islam, just like I don’t consider all Germans to be Nazi, all Irish to be IRA etc etc.

When did we become so intolerant and such utter hypocrites? Historically “we” Brits only owned the commonwealth/empires through battles and war, insisting those people learn English and adopt Christianity because we were “educating” them.

There are good and bad people of all nationalities/religions/colours/creeds and I accept that and wouldn’t write off an entire section of society because a proportion of them are extremists.

Our govt should lead by example, their conduct in our HoC has been reprehensible and some of the language used across the last few years shocking and unacceptable.

I subscribe to the Guardian, Telegraph, Washington Post and New European and am an avid Googler. In every publication I find views I agree with and some I don't!

Back to the topic, according to the 2021 census 6% of the population said they were Muslim. This 6% will represent a very wide range of views and religious observance.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/constituency-data-religion/
Social cohesion comes from tolerance and this current rise in Islamaphobia is very destructive and based on untruths. Most Muslims, like most Christians, Jews and those of us without faith are law abiding people who are more interested in the well being of their family and neighbours than creating disorder. Putting the spotlight on the behaviour of a minority of people and suggesting they are representative of the whole is a recipe for creating dissent as well as being frankly "racist". I've used that word because IMO that is what it is. By all means abhor the behaviour of those showing anti semitic behaviour on the marches as I do but do not suggest they represent "Muslims" or "Arabs" because they do not. They represent a small vocal section of people on the marches with extreme racist views. If we agree with people like Anderson we are doing the work of extremists for them because they thrive on social chaos and disorder.

No go areas because of the increase in mosques and Muslims.
I don't think anyone suggested that. All areas of London are go areas, and no one is preventing anyone from accessing any zone or district. If, however, one feels a certain amount of trepidation walking amongst a particular group who are being antagonistic, then that is different.

I find lots of the politics of many Guardian readers (I used to be one) unpleasant, again it's just further division.
Those who read different papers, or have different politics also know how they are seen by many in this country. Well actually not by many, it is rather a powerful section of the country who make a lot of noise.

Galaxy

I know lots of really nice Daily Mail readers, they mostly work in care, doing the jobs many others wont.
I am also aware of the testimony of female writers at the Guardian who describe the unpleasant misogyny there.
It's just more division the whole Daily Mail thing.

I also know Daily Mail readers who are friendly. But their politics stink.🤷

And at no point have I detracted from the fact that there are very real Islamist terror threats in the UK. But to tar all people of Islam with the same brush, is wrong and unfair. We are not being "taken over" by these wonderful, kind people who will call you "brother" or "sister" when working alongside them. They are some of the kindest people I know. They KNOW they are disliked by many in this country. What a way to live 😢

It tells us you like to read a wide range of opinions Monica.
I downloaded The Mail to my iPad because I wanted to see what many on here were complaining about. Unfortunately they’ve recently put many of the more interesting articles (the ones worth reading) behind a paywall and I don’t want to pay for it, so much of what is available is twaddle about celebrities now.
I also read The Guardian online and although they often urge me to pay for more stories, I don’t want to. They don’t show me five lines of a story though and then put the rest behind a paywall.

I am not sure that anyone has ever accused me of being far right, but I read the Daily Mail, and Mail on Sunday, and the i and the Observer, and the local paper and, at times the Guardian and Daily Telegraph.

I am not sure what that tells you about my politics.

I know lots of really nice Daily Mail readers, they mostly work in care, doing the jobs many others wont.
I am also aware of the testimony of female writers at the Guardian who describe the unpleasant misogyny there.
It's just more division the whole Daily Mail thing.

No I am not. I am also not playing top trumps newspaper readership, and am not distracting from the truth about deaths from terrorism in the UK. If you have to avoid telling the truth for your cause (not you specifically) in my experience it doesnt work.

Anniebach

If one isn’t far left one must be far right and read the Daily Mail

😂😂😂

Fence sitting is so hard on the backside

If one isn’t far left one must be far right and read the Daily Mail

Galaxy

Oh and culture war and far right are meaningless to me now. My values tend to include avoiding minimising the use of swastikas, condeming people announcing that Jews should hide their faith, condeming unspeakable slogans waved or projected in the streets of London, if that makes me far right so be it. Use any term you like to describe my position.

But you're not promulgating ridiculous ideas of London or the UK being taken over by Muslims.