Racism

[Sade]

On the news the other night, it said that the police got a bloke done for racism after he shot an arrow at a welsh flag. I seriously think our country is going bonkers, really I do. I feel its also time wasting.
Yes it could of offended people, but how is it racist? At school we learnt this :

Racism - discriminating someone because of their colour skin/race.

Its nuts, people in this country are taking things too seriously if you ask me. However if racial remarks are made to a person, I feel thats a serious matter and should be taken futher.

Also been hearing alot about how now st georges flags are concidered racist to the ethnic people living in this country  :roll:
This is our country, why should we change it for people who have moved from their own countrys to ours? England is losing its tradition enough

Sorry I just felt like a rant. Is anyone with me on this one?

[Doore]

I would say we need more information on the case than 'a bloke got done for racism.'  What was he actually convicted of?  The incident itself is surely not so much racism as it is xenophobia.  Two different concepts really, but each equally as abhorrent as each other.

[genf_stfc]

firing an arrow at a flag is almost certainly an offence - especially if the flag is being worn around someone's shoulders !

[Piemonte]

Read the story, it was a woman and shes not been convicted of anything FFS! :-))(

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/5051162.stm

[Sade]

ah......someone told me it was a man. I still think its a bit silly.

[magic8ball]

Ok, so its all complete nonsense really, but why didn't she just use a target if it was for target practice?

Theres no need to use the Welsh flag. Silly little bint.

[Sade]

Yeah it was a silly thing to do...maybe she could'nt find anything else.....but my point is how is that classed as racist, when its got nothing to do with the word.

[magic8ball]

I agree. Its not racism. Just a bit daft.

The whole flag thing has been blown completely out of perspective!

I haven't heard of any foreign people claiming to be unhappy about the flags. I'm Welsh, and don't have a problem with people flying St.George here (in Wales)

[pumbaa]

Also been hearing alot about how now st georges flags are concidered racist to the ethnic people living in this country  :roll:
This is our country, why should we change it for people who have moved from their own countrys to ours? England is losing its tradition enough

Sorry I just felt like a rant. Is anyone with me on this one?

I don't consider myself racist, however this kind of thing makes our country a laughing stock. I am in absolute agreement with you. Any immigrant to the UK has chosen to come and live/work/scrounge in our country. I would accept the argument that a minority of immigrants did not choose to come here. Regardless of the above, all immigrants should respect the laws of the country they are residing in. We should not pander to these people from different cultures - it is their choice to be here. If you don't like it, tough.

For example, I know many people who have lived and worked in Saudi Arabia. The laws of that country are very strict in certain areas i.e. alcohol and dress code (especially for women) to respect their religion. As Brits living and working in Saudi Arabia, we are expected to abide by those laws. So why should we water down our nationalism so as not to offend a minority who are here by choice?

I live in America, temporarily. I am English. I am allowed to put an English flag up outside my house, but only if I hang the Stars and Stripes next to it. I don't have a major problem with that, I'm just respecting the law. Many residents in the USA have the Stars and Stripes hung on flagpoles in their gardens - good on them too as they are demonstrating loyalty to their country.

[Sade]

Yeah thats what I thought.I think the majority of the people living here from other countrys, actually don't have a problem with it, but you get the over opinionated few that make such a big deal out of it.

[Luci]

There is a guy driving around Cheltenham every day with one England Flag on his car and one Iran flag on the other side! Thats pushing his luck however no smahed windows as yet!

[Sippo]

I saw this in the star, and just laughed...

[STFC Village]

Isn't it still legal to fire from a bow and arrow at a Welshman in Hereford? (or some backwards hamlet)

 :evil:

[my-velocity]

discriminating someone because of their race. As in what country they come from?

[Simon Pieman]

I agree that simply displaying national flags is not racist and anyone should be able to do it wherever they like.

Firing an arrow could be deemed racist, but in this context it's quite obvious it was light hearted fun, but someone could easily have taken offence. I get a bit angry when the UK or English flags are burnt by people and they show it on tv, because it symbolises how people feel about the country.