The Football Lads

‘dodgy past’ , bit of an understatement when referring to one of the foremost slave traders in history

 

That's fair enough. I'd also add that Bristol as you probably know (just read your other post) is a peaceful city and yesterday's actions are out of character - someone compared protestors to away fans looking for trouble. This may be true in some parts of the country but not here. It's just not that kind of city (the only time in living memory when it kicked off was in the world cup when rival City and Rovers fans threw chairs at one another over parked cars on Park Street, and on the 'hooligan' scale it was pathetic).

In terms of numbers (age bracket etc), I'm 33, have lived in the South West for over ten years (and Bristol for nearly four). I understand some are upset about it, but many people regardless of age were and are very angry, and that's why they took action yesterday. As another poster said, it is also about more than one man's death. Even in a city as diverse and welcoming as Bristol, most of my friends who are BAME have received racial abuse in the city. That's what the protests are about, and the anger manifested itself in bringing down the statue. I respect your reasons for disagreeing about the statue, but this wasnt a mindless act of thuggery or vandalism for the sake of it, this was a symbolic act of retaliation against something that needs to be eradicated (racism).

 

The hypocrisy is saying that a man who killed 19,000 men women and children and condemned hundred of thousands more to lifetimes of misery and cruelty was a philanthropist
Then saying ah well to a policeman executing a man in full view who wasn’t even resisting arrest.
This is the attitude the protesters are turning against .
That’s the hypocrisy

 

And so the statue becomes a symbol of more modern history. Maybe my unborn grandchildren will see this statue in the local museum, read ( or more likely be told through an ear piece!) about what happened in June 2020 and ask why on earth it took so long to be removed from display and why on earth was racism so prevalent that there was a need to protest against it.

 

Exactly. And can you imagine being a black man in a 'tolerant' city in 2020 still having to walk past that statue after receiving racist abuse earlier that day? It's all kinds of wrong..

 

I agree that it would ALSO be hypocrisy.

 

I don't see how his past is relevant - it's not as if he had a gun to the stomach of a pregnant woman when the police killed him is it? The protests are about the manner of his death, not his character.

 

Them football lads eh.

 

So patriotic and tough, proper Innnggeerrrlanders.

 

The "lads" on our Town Hall steps include one of the blokes recently banned from Oakwell for abusing Oduor.

Makes you proud to be a Red.

 

Lovely, my internal rage'o' metre is up there. Just lock em up and give em some gammon.

Off to fridge for a calming pint of Bradfield sixer. Sunny and top local ale what Summer Saturday's are about.

 

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www....lives-matter-hoddesdon-protesters-4208466.amp
lets protect our War Memorial with Nazi Salutes and monkey chants , you couldn’t make it up

 

Well done lads you’re doing a great job ...... not
https://metro.co.uk/2020/06/13/man-...-palmer-far-right-protests-escalate-12847756/

 

The scenes in london attacking police throwing bottles stones and even fireworks are embarrassing from tommy and farages mates

 

Saville raised millions he didn't give his own money away he was too tight for that

 

Hi RedArmy,before you were born,in the early 1980s there were Race riots in Bristol. These were centred around the St Paul's district. Like a lot of UK born BAME citizens around the country,they and others feel that they are not equal citizens, due to the colour of their skin. Certainly in my lifetime, the 2nd,3rd and 4th generation of people who migrated to this country, have felt ostracized. I don't know if the Bristol museum talks about this. There have been many riots over the last 40 years, borne out of frustration over many issues. Many cities experiencing them such as Bristol, Birmingham,Bradford,Leicester,Coventry,Liverpool,Leeds,as well as various districts of London.
As someone of colour will tell you, it doesn't matter that uou are born here,have a profession/job, are educated, law abiding. You are never seen as British/English. In the 1980s, Norman Tebbitt MP,made his famous "Cricket" quote. Saying who do they cheer for at English Test matches.
To finish with,I went to a couple of great exhibitions this year. Firstly at Leeds Town Hall called 'Eulogy',which looked at the West Indian community in Leeds and their role in the city since the 2nd World War. The other one was at the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester and focussed on the Night clubs in Moss Side. I'm sure there are many similar exhibitions up and down the country, celebrating and showing what a diverse country and people modern UK is. The Fascists and White Supremacists may seem to be in the ascendancy at the moment but they can't and never will win. There are far too many decent,tolerant UK citizens,they just have to remember they have a voice and the power to make changes happen.
Glad to hear you are enjoying life in Bristol. My Great Grandparents moved to Bristol from Kent in the 19th century and settled in the St Michael's district.

 

I was at the town memorial today. I was proud to be there. I'm no football lad, those who know me will vouch for me I'm no racist or have hatred for anyone. What I do have is a sense of respect, protectiveness and also I consider myself a decent blowk.

I go to pay my respects every year as I have for the last 30+ years and take my son. The monument is integral to our history. Not just ours as a town but as a nation. I'm no nationalist, I just appreciate why it's there. To commemorate the sacrifice those lads made, a sacrifice not one of us can even begin to imagine.........

So ... If a group of lads can stand for an hour or two (can't be there 24-7) to show our support, no chanting, no violence, nowt other than respect then if anyone has a problem with that then hang your heads in shame. Friendly banter with the police, then on our way. A mixture of women, kids, old and young with a decent amount of ex military.
Sometimes you have to make a stand. I'm already in trouble with work for going, but I'll tell you what..... I'd do it again. Can't help that I've got it in me to stand up for what I believe in...... I'll always be someone's best friend, never be an enemy. Thats me. If someone wants to brand me a thug, racist, idiot, neanderthal then so be it .I know the truth and I'll sleep well tonite knowing I did my little bit today .

 

What was the commemoration at the memorial for today was it an anniversary.

 

I thought he left it all in his will to Great Ormond street hospital?

 

Dont tar us all with the same brush