One or two points:-

Johnson hasn't in any way been telling others how to dress. On the contrary, he defends their right to dress how they wish, in opposition to Denmark, France et al. Why are people missing this important point while getting bogged down in letterbox jokes?

Our neighbour's funny banter is and never has been directed at my husband's religion, merely at his (very) black appearance and ethnicity. I described the rejoinders in order to demonstrate that being over-sensitive when the underlying attitude is one of friendliness, kindness and affection is counter-productive and achieves little.

Thank you Keith, it's good to know that you agree with me.

I find Boris's appearance endearing and amusing. In the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games, he shone as a typical bumbling, dishevelled and eccentric Englishman. However, I also think he's very astute and intelligent.

Although I don't know any poster on here personally, I'm very fond indeed of all the regulars on Mudcat. All are entitled to their opinions, but I don't like savage, unpleasant name-calling. Fortunately, nobody has ever directed such stuff at me.

Just to stir the pot a bit more, early yesterday evening our neighbour was out the front tinkering with his tractor when my husband, wearing his African baggy trousers and tunic, emerged to water our tubs. Neighbour called over, "Wot! Hev yew got yer pyjamas ahn orlreddy?" Husband fell about laughing.
When husband's father died last year, neighbour flung his arms around him and hugged him very lovingly while he sobbed on his shoulder. There's no racism there, believe me.