Racist Ireland

bnt · 05-01-2012 12:59PM

Leftist wrote: »

really? described a black person as coloured has no racial implications to you? By describing someone as coloured you are basically lumping all non-whites into a bracket. Really nice. Whites and non-whites, that's the division.

I don't buy the excuse that it was fine in the past. Hanging black people was fine in the past.

The issue of Racism is about how people are treated. It's about fairness or discrimination. If you aren't a racist, you treat all people equally well - but it does not mean you have to pretend that everyone's skin is the same colour: it isn't. It does not require you to pretend that there are no races, or differences between the races: there are differences. It means that race is not a factor in how you live and work with people.

In the UK today there's a bit of a kerfuffle, after Labour MP Diane Abbott said the following on Twitter:

White people love playing 'divide & rule'. We should not play their game #tacticasoldascolonialism

Did you notice how I referred to her as a Labour MP, but did not refer to her skin colour? I didn't because I didn't need to: you already know, from what she said. She's being (rightly) lambasted from all sides, including her own (politically), and may even be forced to resign. I think there is some truth in what she said - the Colonialism bit - but, as the Irish should know, British Colonialism was not fundamentally about race.

limerickbanter · 05-01-2012 01:04PM

Ive rose above it everyday of my life, Im proud of my nationality and woud never change that. I belive in people and I believe that everyone deep down is a good person. I work in customer service I speak to loads of people daily. I grew up in a crappy part of Ireland and had to stick up for myself all the time since I was a child and for what? cos people are narrow minded and "cant see me". The excuse of they dont know were there going is ridiculous there taxi drivers its there job. Im sure there fully capable of following a road!

eviltimeban · 05-01-2012 01:05PM

Two words (or is it one): Sat Nav. Anyone can drive a taxi, you don't really need to know the whole of Dublin. I've lived in Dublin all my life, but if someone jumped in my car and said "Terenure" I'd have to think about it, cos I'm from the northside and not as familiar with the southside (or how to get there the quickest way).

I experienced this racism once. I was walking by the Shelbourne where the taxis were lined up, and there was obviously an argument going on about who was first in line, between a white Irish taxi driver and a black guy. Now, that's fair enough, if someone is wrong or skipped the queue then yeah, give out: But the guy shouted out "ya black bastard" as part of his argument.

Now I wasn't gonna let that go so I called out that there was no need for that kind of talk. He said it wasn't my business (which was probably true) but I said I'm making it my business. Now, I'm 6'5" and pretty big so he backed off. And that was that.

About 10 minutes later I was walking back passing the same rank and the black guy was in his cab, giving me a big thumbs up, the Irish guy was leaning against his car talking to two other guys, I thought "here we go", but he didn't say a word to me as I walked by.

Chicken sh*ts is what they are.

fishy fishy · 05-01-2012 01:12PM

Leftist wrote: »

I used to get a late night taxi from Dublin to the outskirts alot in my early 20s.

I'd say 9/10 times the taxi driver would drop hints about how he or the garda would catch runners or how he might have a crowbar under his seat if anyone tried anything. Never really threatening me but always giving me the idea that running or hitting him would be a bad idea.

Seems like they were ****ting themselves.

Started making a bit of fun out of it. Was great when there was one of the lads in the car with me.

Just take a turn into this estate. it'll be over soon etc.

never did anything but they would sweating by the time I paid. They were actually delighted we paid.

as long as you get your kicks, that's all that matters ( no wonder the country is the way it is) :rolleyes:

Fear Uladh · 05-01-2012 01:17PM

davoxx wrote: »

do you ask them before they set off or assume that as a 'foreign' they must not know despite passing the test?

Eh, I ask them to leave me to the place and if they don't know, I move on to the next one. Same as any other driver.

However even this is perceived as racist.

limerickbanter · 05-01-2012 01:18PM

davoxx wrote: »

it's easier to hate than to care or understand ... and people are stupid lazy and greedy ...

limerickbanter, are you still in a relationship with the boyfriend who has racist friends?

That shouldnt be the reason life is too short to hate. But yes I am. But his friends arent worth my time.

Leftist · 05-01-2012 01:19PM

bnt wrote: »

It does not require you to pretend that there are no races, or differences between the races: there are differences.

Wow.

What if a black person adopted by Irish parents and raised all his/her life in ireland, by your definition, he/she is different from the indigenous colleagues because of his/her race.

Absolutely disgraceful.

Minstrel27 · 05-01-2012 01:20PM

Leftist wrote: »

Unfortunetly it's in most irish people, especially in the direction of your location (if your username is an accurate indication)

What qualifies you to make that sweeping statement?

Leftist · 05-01-2012 01:22PM

Minstrel27 wrote: »

What qualifies you to make that sweeping statement?

classic irish victim mentality that.

Lets ignore racism from irish people towards blacks and turn it into oppression of poor white irish people.

limerickbanter · 05-01-2012 01:23PM

Minstrel27 wrote: »

What qualifies you to make that sweeping statement?

Its more of a fact than a statement, no use not seeing how others think and how others percieve people, Its better to know and try to change it than living in denial with your eyes closed.

davoxx · 05-01-2012 01:26PM

limerickbanter wrote: »

That shouldnt be the reason life is too short to hate. But yes I am. But his friends arent worth my time.

life is too short, but people don't want to spend time to learn, so they hate.

regarding his friends, maybe that says something about him if he is willing to tolerate that, but then again maybe his friends are not racist and just ignorant and assume that a black taxi driver does not know the area ...

but yeah, everywhere you go, there will be racists, from school kids to the government officials. hell there are racist gardaí, but the problem is that most people ignore it and still hang out/work/be friends with these people ...

it's kinda ironic considering how many irish left irleand and were badly treated elsewhere think NINA ...

Leftist · 05-01-2012 01:28PM

limerickbanter wrote: »

Its more of a fact than a statement, no use not seeing how others think and how others percieve people, Its better to know and try to change it than living in denial with your eyes closed.

As someone of mixed race living in that enviroment I wonder who has more experience of this, limerick banter or minstrel (nice choice of name btw).

Oh but the poor irish, 800 years and soup kitchens 150 years ago make us the blacks of europe :rolleyes:

Topper Harley · 05-01-2012 01:34PM

realies wrote: »

I use taxies quite a lot,Most of them are white drivers most of them are sound,Doesn't bother me in the least where the driver is from,If you don't like the attitude of the driver and he is going on & on tell him to pull in or/and report him.The generalising here of Irish taxi drivers here is a bit OTT imo.

I completely agree with you. The generalising of Irish taxi drivers as horrible people is just as unfair as the generalising of all foreign drivers not knowing where anywhere is.

I recently ordered a taxi and specified that I had to be able to collect my banjaxed bicycle along the journey. The Irish taxi driver was very helpful in getting the bike in and out of the taxi, including folding up a blanket I had so as not to ruin his upholstery and and also ensuring that I didn't leave the lock behind.

This is just one of the positive stories I can tell you about helpful and nice Irish taxi drivers. I have plenty involving foreign drivers as well but I just thought the Irish lads could do with a bit of good press on this thread.

And when I need a taxi, it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference where they're from or the colour of their skin, I get in the first taxi that stops for me (years since I got a taxi at a rank).

And on the rare occasions when a taxi driver isn't completely familiar with where I'm going, I usually am, and have no problem giving them directions.

CardBordWindow wrote: »

I'm not racist!

Sure I've a coloured TV at home!

Surely that shows that you are racist. I'm not though, I have a black and white TV.

suicide_circus · 05-01-2012 01:35PM

limerickbanter wrote: »

I think personaly that its a disgrace, Im of mixed race half black half white. I was out one night with my white boyfriends friends we were trying to get home from a night out there was only black taxi drivers so they avoided getting in the car they chose to stay outside in the cold rather than getting in the taxi. It made me sick I had never seen that before. I thought these people were lovey and genuine until I saw that. It made me think inside everyone there seems to be a racist streak. But why ?

Well there can only be two reasons, either they are just plain racist or they've had bad experiences with black taxi drivers.

Fuinseog · 05-01-2012 01:37PM

HovaBaby wrote: »

Well the fella who headbutted him is a complete scumbag. I doubt very much he would be up to date in matters in Africa. I don't think the scummer would be indictive of the regular Irish population.

true, no irishman would ever assault a fellow irishman. they only ever attack people with different skin.

Leftist · 05-01-2012 01:38PM

suicide_circus wrote: »

Well there can only be two reasons, either they are just plain racist or they've had bad experiences with black taxi drivers.

How are those two things different?

if they had a bad experience with a black taxi driver and refuse to use the service of an unrelated party based entirely on skin colour, then that is racist.

unbelievable.

Leftist · 05-01-2012 01:39PM

Fuinseog wrote: »

true, no irishman would ever assault a fellow irishman. they only ever attack people with different skin.

Yep. Therefore the issue of racism is not that important.

Sure we shot and killed protestant children.

The blacks need a sense of perspective.

At this rate they'll be asking for fair representation from elected officials.

Fuinseog · 05-01-2012 01:40PM

Chuck Stone wrote: »

One white guy headbutting a black cab driver a racist population does not make.

but its got news for the sensationalist indo

Fear Uladh · 05-01-2012 01:40PM

Leftist wrote: »

classic irish victim mentality that.

Leftist wrote: »

Oh but the poor irish, 800 years and soup kitchens 150 years ago make us the blacks of europe :rolleyes:

Oh the irony.

Temptamperu · 05-01-2012 01:41PM

Ellis Dee wrote: »

in all probability the others would refuse to take me, as I would have clearly demonstrated that I was a racist, troublemaker or just a problematic sh1t.:cool:

In all probability you would get a round of applause here from the taxi drivers if you didnt get in the black taxi drivers car. Sure there the biggest racists of the lot of them. So many awkward silences for me when the Taxi man decides to have a rant at the blacks/gays/anyone different.

Fuinseog · 05-01-2012 01:41PM

Leftist wrote: »

Yep. Therefore the issue of racism is not that important.

Sure we shot and killed protestant children.

The blacks need a sense of perspective.

At this rate they'll be asking for fair representation from elected officials.

actually using the term 'black' has deemed by the PC brigade to be racist.

Leftist · 05-01-2012 01:41PM

Fear Uladh wrote: »

Oh the irony.

Jesus Christ.

Leftist · 05-01-2012 01:42PM

Fuinseog wrote: »

actually using the term 'black' has deemed by the PC brigade to be racist.

Is it?

where?

suicide_circus · 05-01-2012 01:42PM

Leftist wrote: »

How are those two things different?

if they had a bad experience with a black taxi driver and refuse to use the service of an unrelated party based entirely on skin colour, then that is racist.

unbelievable.

If someone has for arguments sake, had 10 negative experiences with taxis and in all ten cases the drivers happened to be black, is it wrong for that person, consciously or not, to avoid taxis driven by black drivers in the future?

CamperMan · 05-01-2012 01:44PM

I wonder how many Irish taxi drivers get verbally or physically assaulted each year, these stories don't make headlines!

limerickbanter · 05-01-2012 01:44PM

suicide_circus wrote: »

Well there can only be two reasons, either they are just plain racist or they've had bad experiences with black taxi drivers.

Its just the one reason there racist, simple as. If I had a bad experience with a white taxi driver that wouldnt mean I would avoid all white drivers for the rest of my life. If you was correct that would mean painting all paople with the one brush is acceptable. which is basically saying racism is ok.

BraziliaNZ · 05-01-2012 01:44PM

Fuinseog wrote: »

actually using the term 'black' has deemed by the PC brigade to be racist.

Not true. I work with black people and hang out with a few at my local. We say black and white, no big deal.

CamperMan · 05-01-2012 01:46PM

Fuinseog wrote: »

actually using the term 'black' has deemed by the PC brigade to be racist.

Jeez.... I skidded on some "BLACK ICE" last week, wonder what the PC brigade will say about that

Fuinseog · 05-01-2012 01:46PM

myflipflops wrote: »

Her choice but incredibly racist.

She has judged a person by their skin pigmentation. Not nationality or demeanor or attitude or anything else.

This I suppose is what it comes down to: white people in Ireland are Irish or British or American or Polish or whatever else. We all have pre conceived notions of what comes along with each nationality.

Black people are black apparently and let their be no other distinction.

In truth, the same things happen in countries that have a mainly black population. The white guy is just a skin colour too.

some Irish do not like travelers, based on previous experience. with nigerians its no different. why suffer in silence and pay for the priveledge?

i would distinguish between a dark skinned african and a nigerian. if you are around them long enough you recognise the differences. i find it hilarious that three nigerians could use the same ID and Irish people would not recognise teh difference

suicide_circus · 05-01-2012 01:48PM

limerickbanter wrote: »

Its just the one reason there racist, simple as. If I had a bad experience with a white taxi driver that wouldnt mean I would avoid all white drivers for the rest of my life. If you was correct that would mean painting all paople with the one brush is acceptable. which is basically saying racism is ok.

If a person had more bad experiences with white taxi drivers than with black taxi drivers and therefore decided to avoid white drivers in future, it would be racist but, to me at least, be understandable.

Racist Ireland

Comments