Racism, BTW is not limited to what people INTEND

Susan, sorry but I must object. Racism is purely and simply about intent. Racism is the crime of discriminating against someone or being deliberately hurtful to them on grounds of race. That CANNOT be done unintentionaly. It can be very deep seated, almost automatic, but it is still intentional. What has happened in this and countless other cases is that the tradition has not moved with the times. Whether it should or should not is a completely different argument to whether it is racist or not.

As to I'd want to see UK folk tell us all about these traditions, and how and why they are valuable to you individually-- as a celebration, not as a defense against a perceived charge of racism. Try and liken it to your 4th of July celebrations. It celebrates your vicory over the British. It is something you have done for over 200 years. If I was to move next door to you and complain of your racism towards me every July 4th would you stop doing it? Of course not, and rightly so. It is very simple. Independance day is not racist. St Patricks day is not racist. Bastile day is not racist. Celebrating one way of life in no way shape or form degrades another. Mumming, Morris, Darkie days, Nutters et al are simply celebrating a way of life that some people wish to keep alive.


Any clearer?

Cheers

DtG