“Kia Ora!

I really liked your post Shelly, nicely put. But when I lived in Wellington I know some Maoris further north would complain all the time about how they were treated and could not get on with their life or ever move on (but you can get that anywhere). It's also great that your kids will learn about both sides of their heritage, so much to learn eh! I wish more people had a great view like your husband. It's a shame there will always be people who want to put others down about one thing or another.”

“David

How can you tell me that it was not meant as a racila insult.

Did you not watch the clip.

The term coconut is a racist comment.

I am very in touch with my heritage a spend regular vacations in Jamaica so that was the poorest defence of racism I have ever heard.

You prove my point exactly you have assumed because I have white parents that I know nothing of my culture.

This is why black people continuosuly under acheive due to the servere chip on there shoulders.

We live in England so I speak English here.

When I visit Jamaica I talk patois.

If I visit France I speak French.

What a ridiculous waste of writing space David.

Well done for outing yourself as a racist.

Oh and a funny thing is that none of my family who come from various parts of the world and have various skin colours, including Jamaican's have experienced any racism because they learnt how to fit in with the society around them.

It really doesnt surprise me that you didnt get a job if you spoke patios.

Oh and Mr I know my roots you will also know then that you are even more unlikely to get a job in Jamaica if you are a black Jamaican there is more racial discrimination there.

Give the excuses a rest.

Racism is racism”

“oh! bit of a rant. Especially with all the grammatical errors etc

Sorry all!”

“David

Firstly I like being niave. It allows me to think that no matter how bad things are there is always awy to 'fix' them!

Secondly I understand what you are saying however you are assuming that my whole family is English. This is not the case My husband is from New Zealand and has been living in the UK for about 15 years no. Although he is a Kiwi he has fully embraced a UK identity. He has been subjected to racism on many occasions usually by way of crude jokes and assumptions that he has heard numerous times. These people think they are funny but they are not.
He is proud of his heritage but at the same time accepts the culture he is in now and doesn't feel the need to hark back to his ancestors and their treatment by others. I have been talking about this thread with him and his comment to me was;

"First and foremost I am a human being and I treat all other human beings with the respect and courtesy they deserve. However these traits are not always reciprocated and in these cases then people reap what they sow. I never use my heritage as an excuse for behaviour be it good or bad and I don't expect it of others either. If you live in a country you abide by the laws of that country. you become part of it. If you don't like it then leave and find your roots or whatever. People who are not native to the UK (by birth or by heritage) often think that the grass is greener well in that case go home. that's what I will do if I have to. Better that than turning in to a whinging hypocrite who takes what he can while bemoaning a country that has welcomed him in!"As for my children they are being taught to be proud of their English and their New Zealand heritage. One doesn't take precedent over the other. I'm sorry your children feel pressured into describing themselves as mixed anything I hate that term with a passion its almost like having to apologise for not being pure of race our precious children are already being labelled by society and if we want to rid the world of racism perhaps we need to start here. I hope this makes sense. I'm not trying to cause offence to anyone I just think we need to find the things we have in common and focus on those rather than accentuate our differences.

Thirdly, I really don't care if Cllr Brown is the only black councillor. I don't judge someone by their colour (in fact I couldn't tell you what any of my local councillors look like let alone what colour their skin is) when I vote I look at their ability to do their job properly. Cllr Brown should not be held up as an example of what the black community can achieve as the black community should be aiming far higher than an ignorant woman who resorts to offensive behaviour. she should be held up as an example of how not to behave. David you are an intelligent man capable of rational thought (unlike most men!!!) perhaps you should stand up and be counted and run for office yourself give Bristol an example of a positive role model because all Cllr Brown will do is put Black people off getting involved with politics and then we will probably be left with the laughable alternative of 'positive' discrimination (Don't get me started on THAT one!!).
Lastly, I know what you are saying about comments placed by others outside the region however this is an open forum and no matter how much it irritates people have freedom of speech. The difference is we in the local area are in a position to change what goes on here and by doing so we send a message out that in this instance Cllr Browns ignorance and offensive behaviour is unacceptable.

can I also say to everyone who has commented how great it is to be able to have a debate without people using these comments to make personal attacks on other users.”

“For god sake, we cant even call a chalk board a black board anymore, what is it coming to, A Coconut is a bloody coconut, exotic and tasty. There are lots of things that white people could be referred as, but you dont see anyone making a fuss about that do you, get a life and get on with it, lifes to short.”