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Black Lives Matter peaceful socially distanced protest.

https://www.facebook.com/events/577516463202681/Sunday at 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM13–22°C Partly CloudyBrentford MarketMarket Place, TW8 8AH BrentfordJoin us on Sunday 28th June 1.30pm as we hold a peaceful protest with social distancing to continue to show solidarity with protesters against racism and demand racial justice globally. This is a family - friendly peaceful protest with a welcoming atmosphere and music. Please bring your beautiful artwork and banners. We will stand in line with social distancing rules on the wide pavements along side Virdict all the way up to Goddard's on Brentford high street. We should have enough room to make 2 lines, as well as the open space in Brentford Market. Meeting point:- Brentford Market at 1.30pm, then proceed to line up. AIM:- Kneel for George Floyd and the countless before him at 2pm. Chant the UK names of preventable lives lost:- Stephen Lawrence, Mark Duggan,Joy Gardner, Sara Reed Raise awareness with drivers and people passing, by encouraging then to honk their horns. It would be advisable to write slogans such as: Honk for Justice/Silence is Violence. Open Mic to share: Experiences, thoughts , art and anything related to facing discrimination all people of colour face. There will be a few minutes for each speaker to allow everyone to be heard. Once all have spoken the floor will be open to speak for longer. (Hoping to get a Community Leader Speaker) 2.30pm. Please bring a bag to put your rubbish in. Looking for:- Speakers for music Volunteers to be stewards of chanting and facilitating social distancing Ideas on how to make it better for everyone Please remember : Remain peaceful IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND! Bring protective masks and gloves, and if possible wet-wipes or anti-bacteri gel Observe 2 metres social distancing guidelines Pack food and water Bring identification and emergency contact information Wear comfortable shoes Carry essential items like your medication or inhaler Women on periods are advised to wear pads instead of tampons incase toilet access is restricted Look forward to seeing you at the event!!!

Anil Patel ● 1876d26 Comments

Both of the very small (due to social distancing) parades I saw featured Caribbean and Asian service personnel, you can Google the iages from Southampton and Newcastle..I am sorry if your selectively racist blinkers don't allow you to see beyond the end of your nose.You preach inclusivity, try  practising what you preach and then you won't be asking only for "BIPOC small businesses" at the event you are trying to organise - which is clearly, very clearly, a racially- motivated requirement.

N V Brooks ● 1858d

https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/remembrance-events/ve-day-75

Bernard Allen ● 1858d

Exactly why were the soldiers from the colonies not in the VE parade? Look at recent history. Why havn't we done better and respecting and honouring the truth of colonialism and its effects still felt today in present times.Please do not be selective, be inclusive.Your reaction of white fragility and distraction have been noted.

Anil Patel ● 1858d

No one cand deny the pivotal role that Indian soldiers played in WW1 most notably in the first Ypres salient and at Gallipoli where they were, like so many, cannon fodder.They fought for freedom, I do wonder how they would feel about the selective erasure of history.

N V Brooks ● 1865d

..and who traded slaves for 2000 plus years before any form of colonisation and imperialism?Read your history , none of it is nice but stop warping the realities.

Raymond Havelock ● 1865d

So, we need to look at history while at the same time embracing those who try to erase it?

N V Brooks ● 1865d

https://www.baatn.org.uk/ve-day/Here is some helpful resources within this link for anyone who wants to understand the hurt and pain of communities being erased by misrepresentation. The world wars were fought by people of colour and the world should remember that. After the war who helped build back Britain?

Anil Patel ● 1865d

Yeah, the Cenotaph. That old thing. Millions of dead young men. But hey, whatever.

Mike Paterson ● 1871d

This is the response you got from Guy in another thread. It is true for this thread too in response to your twisting of the truth and cherry picking of information:What nonsense.Here's another quote"We make our spaces family-friendly and enable parents to fully participate with their children. We dismantle the patriarchal practice that requires mothers to work “double shifts” so that they can mother in private even as they participate in public justice work."The paragraph you quoted is what has been happening across society since the pandemic started - collectively caring for one another.For those on the fringe it might reek of cultural marxism. To people who bother to think about it rationally it reeks of people looking out for each other, even if they're not in the same family.I will add to The "cenotaph" response as you have the luxury to not stand up to racism. I am quite sad you have failed to identify your own privilege and used in a way to stand against racism in mocking a movement centred around justice for all.I wont be responding to any more questions here so save your breath. I am moving on to the next positive project.

Anil Patel ● 1871d

Anil,There is nothing wrong with communities supporting families.  However, that is not what is conveyed by the text in the BLM manifesto:"We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and “villages” that collectively care for one another, especially our children, to the degree that mothers, parents, and children are comfortable."The problem is the word "disrupt". Please can you amplify what exactly this means.

Andy Riley ● 1873d

BLM desecrated the Cenotaph. You'll excuse me if I don't attend.

Mike Paterson ● 1873d

As an educator i like to help people understand. I Hope these links i leave will help and if your find these resources useful please share. I hear your concerns about polarisation and sadly we see the racist and xenophobic agenda in the right arm of politics, should we be silent and let that ideology grow? Or should we point out that in an advanced civilisation such divisions over the colour of your skin, country of origin and any other differences are meaningless to a truly inclusive, supportive and Intersectional Society.The Idea of a Protest is to get a message heard after that positive talks and actions can be taken within the community to help make lives for all better.Photos and videos of the Peaceful and socially distanced protest:https://photos.app.goo.gl/QAzNxHca5yheSwX46Intersectionality why its important and what it means in practice:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1islM0ytkE&feature=youtu.behttps://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a32745051/what-black-lives-matter-means/Videos and articles explaining BLACK LIVES MATTERhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YCu5B6AMoQThe History of Racism on a comedy showhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_FE78X-qdY&t=614sHow Racism is a Human Problem and Bias lives in all cultures. A Unity Message of coming together to tackle racismhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqE6VNMsrEc&feature=shareSpoken word about how we get through the hate and confusion to unify for equality for all.https://youtu.be/KPRA4g-3yEkThe reality of how BAME (Black and Asian Minority Ethnics) live their daily lives from a white persons point of view - done through the lens of comedyhttps://justiceforbelly.com/The reality of Covid-19 and Racism.It is always good to show the references you are talking about rather than using quotation marks. In a small English village there used to be the ideology it takes a village to raise a child. What is wrong with more community based support for families? Are you against supporting single parents or families in general? Are you aware of the many children living in poverty? With equality comes many benefits to all including better living standards for those around the poverty line.It has been great talking to different groups of faith and feeling their support, this is about equality and pointing out that division and racism is not welcome in society.I will check back on Saturday, i do hope those with open minds look at the information i have collated it is always good to use several different sources.If you have very deep concerns feel free to message me here privately or text me to arrange a phone call.07935677964Kindest RegardsAnil

Anil Patel ● 1874d

Adam,I fear you are making the mistake of demonising those you disagree with.  As you have introduced the B subject, I would like to say that leaving the EU has a solid socialist pedigree (see Hugh Gaitskell, Tony Benn, Peter Shore, Barbara Castle etc). In 1975 I voted to leave the EEC based on arguments from these and other politicians. In 2016 I voted remain largely on the basis of the economic scenarios produced by the Treasury which proved to be wide of the mark.  Since then I thought long and hard about the issues (or ishoos as Benn would say), had many discussions with people of all persuasions and am now convinced that leaving the EU is the best policy for Britain.  I have many friends with similarly nuanced and complex reasonings for their positions.  So Leavers are not all right wing xenophobes nor are all remainers Soros funded globalists.I share your fear regarding polarization of society but perhaps take a different perspective in seeing BLM - as far as I can make out from their manifesto - as a divisive force. Indeed there is a left critique of privilege theory (which lies behind BLM) as a distraction from building working class unity.

Andy Riley ● 1874d

Good point! Always read before submitting."for the victims" or "against the perpetrator" might have been better.

Andy Riley ● 1874d

Just to add to my own post, the point I was making is illustrated by the media reports about the 'delightful' individual who ordered the banner flights over the Burnley match the other night.He tells the media that he's not racist and that's he got black and asian friends, yet there he is posting with Tommy Robinson, with EDL flags, and there's his girlfriend posting stuff I wouldn't repeat here on social media.Yet to a substantial minority this amoeba is some kind of hero, reflecting the ever increasing divisions in society and how extremism grows.

Adam Beamish ● 1874d

There's a far bigger picture here Guy, so it isn't that simple.  I couldn't care less whether the demo/protest goes ahead or not, I don't personally buy into the view that any gathering is going to becoming a hotbed for coronavirus and I do think a minority are hiding behind such concerns because of their right wing views.  But for the reasons I've already said I find the bigger picture terrifying, rather than a progressive, inclusive society I fear we are going to regress into "them" and "us" divisions be it in terms of race, sexuality, religion and everyone else inbetween.  Indeed personally I don't think this is a million miles away from Brexit, when right wing xenophobes managed to convince 37% of the electorate that Europe is a bad club to be a part of, so in the not too distant future we're going to be even more isolated than ever.  And if the right wing can do that, then who is to stop them capitalising on anything that also seen as polarising society ?.

Adam Beamish ● 1875d

Good luck with the demo! To all the people moaning if you don't like it, don't attend. Pretty simple really.

Guy Smith ● 1875d

Why would you want anyone to protest "against the victims"? Surely we should be supportive of all unfortunate souls.

Paul Scullion ● 1875d

And I doubt there will be mass protests against the victims of the Reading stabbings - we'll just be told to light a candle and not look back in anger.

Andy Riley ● 1875d

Sadly this seems to be exactly what is happening. I think we have moved on a lot since those days in the 1970s" If you have not done anything wrong then there should be no need to run." That was said by an Irish Head teacher at school. That weekend he got nicked!But he had been drink driving it turned out!  He had tried to drive off!Unless you have been to other places in this world it can be hard to see how lucky we are here. It's far from right and poverty is the real division. That's why I'm always banging on about overcrowding and over densification of dwellings.  it makes for social disparity and poor quality of life.It's just that that affects a range of people. BVM is just fracturing and dividing. That helps no-one at all.

Raymond Havelock ● 1875d

"50 years ago you only had to have an Irish accent or Ginger hair to be stopped and questioned and a great many suffered a lot more than that without any involvement in activities."Whilst I don't disagree one could argue that given that such discrimination no longer takes place, why should it be any different now for those of different races etc ?.What worries me the most about all of this is rather than bringing society together it is driving wedges between people and polarising society.  It really is bring both the hardcore left and the extreme right, both of whom I utterly despise, to the forefront, whilst most 'reasonable' people simply keep their head down for fear of being labelled.No-one should ever have felt the need or justification to fly that banner over the football match last night, but the coverage the black lives matter campaign is getting will inevitably generate a reaction from the extreme right, and I cannot rationally see how flying such a banner can constitute a criminal offence when you've got precisely the same message, albeit with reference to a different colour, on the backs of the 22 footballers on the pitch.I find it all deeply troubling, I want a society which doesn't allow extremists to flourish, but at the moment I fear society is becoming increasingly polarised.

Adam Beamish ● 1875d

No mention of those who have died in unexplained circumstances or dubious circumstances who happen to not be black. There are plenty in this country. Liddle Towers for example in the North West back in the 1970s. That's how far back you can go.If it were just Black People who suffer in this country then this would be justified but it is not.50 years ago you only had to have an Irish accent or Ginger hair to be stopped and questioned and a great many suffered a lot more than that without any involvement in activities.62 million people in this very open and accepting and diverse country and this has become divisive . This is not America.America's Independence came about because of the UK pressure to end Slavery and they would not. 1776 heading for 250 years ago. Just realise how lucky we all are in this far from perfect, but far better than most nations, to live in a country where all lives matter.

Raymond Havelock ● 1875d

Anil,You wrote:"This is a family - friendly peaceful protest"Though I assume you will not be welcoming "Western-prescribed nuclear" families

Andy Riley ● 1875d

Anil,You have referred to Black Lives Matter in your subject heading - I am therefore assuming that you are linked with or support this organisation.Their website makes it clear that they have objectives beyond seeking justice for all people regardless of race, for example:"We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and “villages” that collectively care for one another, especially our children, to the degree that mothers, parents, and children are comfortable."Do you agree with disrupting the "Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement"?Do you agree with the activities mentioned on their GoFundMe page?:"Developing and delivering training, police monitoring and strategies for the abolition of police"https://uk.gofundme.com/f/ukblm-fund

Andy Riley ● 1876d

Why don't you hold your illegal gathering in your locality instead of inflicting it on the people of Chiswick?

Jennifer Selig ● 1876d

I Kindly ask that you follow the code of conduct of this forum and refrain form asking personal questions in a public setting. Feel free to private message me.Here is a reminder of the Forum's Code of Conduct:Community ForumCode of ConductRespect OthersKeep it LegalPlay NiceDon't SpamBusiness Use of the ForumTake Responsibility - use your real nameUphold the CodeProtect your PrivacyComplaints/Reporting AbuseAs part of our commitment to making this site a great place to meet and interact with others around our area, you must agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. Your commitment to this Code of Conduct in the forum and electronic mail postings ensures a positive experience for all our members.Respect OthersThis site encourages everyone to treat each other with mutual respect. Do not use the Forum to threaten, harass, stalk, or abuse others participating in the Forum. Refrain from all expressions of bigotry, racism, hatred, or obscenity.The Administrators of this Forum may eject or ban users, as well as remove postings, that in their opinion, violate this Code of Conduct. Serious violations are forwarded to the police and the offending user's ISP.If you show disrespect to others please don't complain when they respond in kind. This Code is here to protect those that adhere to it. If you become involved in an abusive exchange with another user do not expect the moderators to take action on your behalf.I also ask you to look at this information to understand why this is happening across the world:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YCu5B6AMoQThis History of the spread of divisions and racism.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_FE78X-qdY&t=614sA video of unity needed from all including Ethnic Minorities.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-BY9UEewHwHow Studying Privilege Systems Can Strengthen CompassionThank you for reading.Kindest RegardsAnil

Anil Patel ● 1876d