There's been a lot of political chat lately focusing on the black lives matter movement. Some of it has been interesting, most of it has been dreadful.
One of the most influential discussions I've heard has been from an unexpected source - Graeme Souness. He spoke of his own experience, his own regrets about not acting and how on reflection he has not been an ally in every situation to those who suffer racial discrimination, either overt or covert. That's not to say he's been a racist, but he didn't always fight back against racism.
This made me think about myself. I don't believe I'm racist, but I do think from time to time I subconsciously act based on prejudice. I think we all do. And I definitely think I fail to confront racist behaviour when I see it. I let it slide because "they don't really mean it" or "it's just banter". But it's not. It's unacceptable and needs to be challenged.
"It's just banter" takes us neatly into United's managerial hunt, with the papers stating that Malky Mackay is the favourite for the job. He dismissed his own racist behaviour as "banter".
I think we need to live our own values. I believe in second chances, but only when there's contrition.
Yesterday I sent a tweet to United expressing my unhappiness at his potential appointment. It's not much, but in my mind it's taking positive action against racism. Thanks to BLM, I'm going to continue to be proactive against any form of discrimination rather than silently complicit when I shouldn't be. It may have no impact, but for me it's the right thing to do. While he might be an excellent appointment in terms of his coaching ability, he doesn't represent my values or the values I think my club should have. I'll be deeply disappointed if he's appointed.
Mon the Terrors
BLM
posted on 13/7/20
This thread btw.
If it was a racehorse it would've been put down weeks ago.
I'm only on it cos I don't have a reputation to lose.
posted on 13/7/20
Should have been dumped yonks ago.
posted on 13/7/20
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/police-officer-kneeling-neck-allentown-pennsylvania-video-george-floyd-a9615361.html
posted on 13/7/20
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/us-sport/national-football-league/washington-redskins-name-change-nfl-statement-latest-a9616061.html
About time.
posted on 13/7/20
comment by Automatic For The People #BLM (U21889)
posted 1 hour, 23 minutes ago
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/police-officer-kneeling-neck-allentown-pennsylvania-video-george-floyd-a9615361.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Guy was acting like a deranged lunatic. Quite happy for the police to restrain him in any way necessary.
Folk should learn not to act like manaces or rob drug stores. In general thats a good way to avoid racist police.
posted on 13/7/20
comment by Magnum. No more Mr Nice Guy. (U22391)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by Automatic For The People #BLM (U21889)
posted 1 hour, 23 minutes ago
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/police-officer-kneeling-neck-allentown-pennsylvania-video-george-floyd-a9615361.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Guy was acting like a deranged lunatic. Quite happy for the police to restrain him in any way necessary.
Folk should learn not to act like manaces or rob drug stores. In general thats a good way to avoid racist police.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree
However, I also think there is a big difference between restraining someone lawfully and restricting their breathing.
I'm all for any criminal being arrested and dealt with properly. Being a criminal does not give a police officer the right to take your life.
posted on 13/7/20
No justice, no peace, no racist, police.
When will you idiots get this?
posted on 13/7/20
No more black on black killings.
No more peddling of drugs to the black community by black gang members.
No more intimidation of the black community by black gang members.
posted on 13/7/20
More protests it is then.
Looks like they will happen EVERY time now.
And rightly so.
posted on 13/7/20
comment by Automatic For The People #BLM (U21889)
posted 4 minutes ago
More protests it is then.
Looks like they will happen EVERY time now.
And rightly so.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Whoopee f'ing do.
The British public cannot wait!
Idiots.