in my books you are only racist if you hate an entire race and tar them all with the same brush, not conceeding that there are good and bad in all. to hate british hating racist murdering b******s is not racist at all - it's totally understandable!

I got branded a racist by Bubbs on another thread (and I don't wish to be thought of as Bubbist by mentioning it) simply for daring to use the two words "claiming benefit". I thought that everyone was allowed to claim benefit that was entitled to do so and didn't mention colour or creed at all!!

I really do think that the majority of those who point the finger at others for being racist are racist themselves as they have some kind of hang up about talking about people's actual colour or creed. Those of us who probably speak about race in exactly the same way as we speak about other thorny issues such as football, women and leaving the seat up or down (i.e frankly and bluntly) are probably far better balanced as individuals than those who fear of talking about certain topics in case they are branded an "ist".

Living down here does have some advantages. At least you can see them cry.

well stef, like you justify germans being ok because you have friends there - i have muslim friends too ok, and they are most certainly not racist or anti this/their country. as regards to 'letting people in' we still allow less into this country than many other european ones - ie germany.

Edited by Bexter (05 Apr 2004 2:18pm)

There are nutters in every corner of society ..... Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindu's etc. Doesn't warrant sterotyping an entire race!

Up here in Scotland, the English are regarded by many as a bunch of skinheaded neo-nazi's with bulldog tatoos. I spend a lot of time playing this down as 95% of the English I have met are spoken to are top folks.

The level headed amongst us (i.e. those who don't get brainwashed by the vile tabloid prss) should work towards harmony and a multi-cultural society.

Scotland's number 1 Palace fan

I don't think that the press - "vile tabloid" or otherwise are encourgaing people to be racist. They have been clearly saying a minority of Muslims were protesting and the majority were onlooking horrified!
The Koran encourages Muslims to be peace loving people but with all religions there will always be people that will translate the religious books or read them in such a way that benefits what they believe in.

Generally speaking I will defend the rights of citizens to speak their minds and express their views. BUT! When it comes to burning flags, or books(as did the Nazis) or houses(as the BNP have been known to do) I draw the line at both the action and any incitement to do so and I dont care a flying **** what spurious religious/political justification can be produced in the defence of such acts. I regard the actions of the extreme moslem groups as being as racist, bigotted and frankly, illegal as those perpetrated by the other groups I just mentioned and hope the authorities will act accordingly. Otherwise, I do fear a backlash (not to be mistaken for wishing to see one).
My final thought is that if any of these people have no right to be here, that their asylum/immigration applications should be rejected and they be kicked out. We are a wonderfully tolerant country but there are limits

Hopkiiiin looking to curl onNNNE