[Closed] My name is Keith and I'm the mayor of Islamabad

Here's hoping the mods delete this before it gets any nastier

Nastier? Brave maybe, but not nasty (at time of posting)

Curto80. In what way is my post nasty?

It just wouldn't happen.

So what is going on?

The people of London welcome diversity.

And they don't have time for those who try to create fear and division.

Hope that helps.

Wrecker - you honestly think a white Christian would be voted in as mayor in ****stan?

Really? I think you know exactly what I mean.

But for the record Sadiq Kahn was born in Tooting.

No, I don't suppose in the current world we live in, it is very likely. And you know what, that makes me quite proud to live in this society. For all its faults, it got this right.

derek_starship - Member
Wrecker - you honestly think a white Christian would be voted in as mayor in ****stan?

We are a mongrel nation, built on diversity and immigration. ****stan is not. The new Mayor of London is as British as me as far as I can tell. What's the problem, unless you're a racist?

****stan/Islamabad is not the relatively secular, ethnically diverse city/country that London/UK is. So yes you are correct it would not happen there.

your point is?

Although the titular Keith could well be one of the 4% Christian population of Islamabad, and the good people of ****stan could well surprise us. There's been a good few surprises in global politics recently, some that Trump others.

your point is?

I think his point might possible be that ****stan isn't as nice a place as the UK when it comes to human rights.

Bearing in mind Sadiq Khan, who is London Mayor btw, wouldn't be able to practice as a human rights lawyer or vote in favour of same sex marriage in ****stan, both of which he's done, he's probably got a point.

I disagree i think derek is simply posting thinly veiled racism after getting in from the pub pissed.

Would you have had a problem with Zacharias Goldschmidt?

Mayor Keith? No - but there was Empresses Victoria and Emperors Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII and George VI.

But I guess that was OK?

A good series of edits there JY!

I disagree i think derek is simply posting thinly veiled racism after getting in from the pub pissed.

Derek a racist?

Whatever makes you think that?

This perhaps?

http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/red-nose-day#post-2342166

It's been a nice sunny day and then some racist goes and lowers the tone, classy.

http://explosm.net/comics/3408/

I am , uncharacteristically, somewhat drunk - first drinks of the year!!!
It makes me brief...who knew 8)
EDI: I dont even know what I originally put there tbh but i did edit 😳

My name is Keith and I'm the mayor of Islamabad

😆 Do you have The Beast as transport over there? 😛

5 years ago

Just to be clear I'm not accusing Derek of being a racist, I was interested in why Junkyard might think he was.

I thought he might have heartrending concern for human rights violations in ****stan.

I like to give people the benefit of the doubt.

Haven't read the thread in detail, but I think this may be relevant? Cut and paste entirely from something on Facebook so you can check yourself whether it's accurate or not 🙂

"A CHRISTIAN COULD NEVER BE ELECTED MAYOR IN A MUSLIM CITY!"

Since Sadiq Khan's election as Mayor of London, many people seem to be suggesting that no Muslim city would ever be open-minded enough to elect a Christian as mayor.

So, in the interests of accuracy, and because FACTS ARE OUR FRIENDS, I present a list of some of the many Christians who have done just what Mr Khan has done - been elected to high office in Muslim countries where they are a religious minority:

* In 2005 Alees Salman became the first Christian and first woman to chair Bahrain's upper house of Parliament. Bahrain is 70% Muslim.

* ****stan currently has a Christian minister of ports and shipping, Kamran Michael. ****stan is 96.4% Muslim.

* The Turkish city of Mardin recently elected its first female Christian mayor, Februniye Akyol. Turkey is 96.5% Muslim.

* Boutros Boutros Ghali, a coptic Christian and former head of the UN, was Egypt's Foreign Minister for 14 years. Egypt is 90% Muslim.

* The capital of the world's most populous Muslim country, Indonesia, has a Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaya Purnama. Indonesia is 87.2% Muslim.

* Senegal had a Catholic president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, for 20 years. Senegal is 92% Muslim.

* Lebanon had a Christian president, Michel Suleiman, from 2008-2014. Lebanon is 54% Muslim.

* The mayor of Ramallah, the capital of Palestine, is Janet Mikhail, a Roman Catholic (thanks to Jason Faulkner for that one!).

_____________________________________

It is fantastic that London has resisted the tide of Islamophobia sweeping our culture to elect a mayor based on his policies and personal qualities, but let's not pretend that 'western' countries are the only places where religious minorities can be elected to office.

On the other hand, it would be irresponsible to suggest that no countries have restrictions on the religion of those who attain public office. Some countries have laws explicitly stating that the Head of State must belong to one particular religion, a form of religious bigotry that is unacceptable in the 21st century.

One such country is Britain, where the law states that the monarch must be a Christian Protestant.

I was interested in why Junkyard might think he was.

I do most of my profound thinking in a pub.

Is this Derek?

[img] [/img]

England pretty well slaughtered its way across the globe, so I think you did have some chap at one point in time who would be 'OK' for you to bring home to mother.

Why are you picking on Islamabad and Keith?

Is this Derek?

You might laugh and sneer but it was bad day for racists in London yesterday - Paul Golding of Britain First only got 1.2% of the vote.

While David Furness of the BNP only managed half of one percent.

Even UKIP, the more respectable racists who everybody feels they can vote for, only got 3.5% of the vote.

#londonhasfallen

It is a truly fascinating thing that the more multicultural an area is the least racist it is. Its almost as if , when you live side by side, that you realise other folk are, basically, just the same as you.

Junkyard - lazarus
It is a truly fascinating thing that the more multicultural an area is the least racist it is. Its almost as if , when you live side by side, that you realise other folk are, basically, just the same as you.

Same? In what way?

Thanks Obama. I bet this was his plan all along
He's a very cheeky chap

Same as in same... Human beings who want to live and enjoy life. Made the same way, live in the same place do similar things.

Derek, I'm not really understanding the point, are you saying that London being culturally diverse and accepting is a good or a bad thing?

mikewsmith - Member
Same as in same... Human beings who want to live and enjoy life. Made the same way, live in the same place do similar things.

Live in peace, yes.

Enjoy life? May be. Vast majority of people are just glad to live a life without sickness, stress and alive.

Made the same way? I don't get this. Are there any other way?

Live in the same place? Where? I definitely Do Not want to live in London.

Why are you deliberately misunderstanding what Mikewsmith said. It's not that hard to understand
Or I'm really smart (which i highly doubt)

We are a mongrel nation, built on diversity and immigration. ****stan is not. The new Mayor of London is as British as me as far as I can tell. What's the problem, unless you're a racist?

2:47am was rather pissed now sober again, is that relevant and why is everyone up so late ?

mrsfry - Member
Why are you deliberately misunderstanding what Mikewsmith said. It's not that hard to understand
Or I'm really smart (which i highly doubt)

I really do not know what similarities are you lot referring to. Be precise.

If you are referring to the obvious then you might as well not say it.

That's the reason why I want to know why someone would make an assumption or a generalisation about we are the same.

If you are able to explain on behalf of Mikewsmith then please do so.

I am being serious here and not taking the mick.

What are the "same" you are referring to?

jambalaya - Member
2:47am was rather pissed now sober again, is that relevant and why is everyone up so late ?

Hora started a thread about scooter so now I am watching scooter on Youtube taking a ride with people reviewing their bikes while "sight seeing" other countries ... some countries are very scenic.

am being serious here and not taking the mick.
What are the "same" you are referring to?

When Obama was elected they asked a black woman if she was happy now a black man could be elected president. Her reply was simple, it would be a good day when the question wasn't even asked.

mikewsmith - Member

am being serious here and not taking the mick.
What are the "same" you are referring to?

Same on the inside, same blob of flesh and bone. All of them living in the same city. People like to exploit difference and ignore similarities.

I agree but the similarities stop there.

When Obama was elected they asked a black woman if she was happy now a black man could be elected president. Her reply was simple, it would be a good day when the question wasn't even asked.

I am afraid to tell her that she will have to wait for a very long time for that day to come.

Does any one have a voter breakdown by religion race and gender that would be interesting information?

intelligent articulate educated and successful man wins mayoral election

idiots highlight his religion

Does any one have a voter breakdown by religion race and gender that would be interesting information?

Junkyard - lazarus
It is a truly fascinating thing that the more multicultural an area is the least racist it is. Its almost as if , when you live side by side, that you realise other folk are, basically, just the same as you.

I have made this point here for ages, but has received little traction with you JY. Were you pissed when you wrote this? If anyone is good at using graphs and statistics to showcase DIFFERENT voters demographics it's you.

I wish Sadiq all the best. PM one day?

You'll be giving Keith Vaz ideas.

You are Nige Farrage and [s] a £%@face[/s] I claim my £5..

I wish Sadiq all the best. PM one day?

Not with a name like that. Perhaps he could change it to Steve ?

Didn't Farrage say after last GE that one reason UKIP had done less well in London compared to some other areas was because London folk tend to be better educated. Similarly for Goldsmith/Khan a campaign that plays to racism less likely to succeed amongst a better educated population. I note also that the Green party Candidate picked up a lot of votes.

What next? Someone called Hussein in the white house?

I think all we've learned here is drunk internet trolling wins everytime... 😆

Thank heavens we can only have a Protestant as a monarch

only came into being post WW2 so rather difficult to define a cultural heritage really.

Were you pissed when you wrote this?

I am , uncharacteristically, somewhat drunk

TBH I have no idea what your point is and it reads to me like I have offended you and you decided to have a pop. Fair enough but you are going to have to give me some context other than your memory, which cannot even work out this thread accurately.

Not with a name like that. Perhaps he could change it to Steve ?

The people of London welcome diversity.

+1.

#londonhasfallen

WTF DOES THAT MEAN??

Thank heavens we can only have a Protestant as a monarch

No, we just can't have a Catholic

intelligent articulate educated and successful man wins mayoral election

idiots highlight his religion

But it is worth highlighting, but not in a 'it's a bit creepy that we've elected a Muslim' kind of way. It's worth noting because in voting for him it was clear his race/religion was a non issue for enough white Londoners of Christian heritage that he got the job. And this is to be celebrated.

I don't know if I'm a bit sensitive to this (probably am) but I've become increasingly aware of an element of 'presumed racism' in white Caucasians from other ethnic groups. Hopefully this vote shows as proof positive this is not the case and we (white Caucasians) can't be lumped together as having a single stereotypical attitude.

What's going on?
We live in a tolerant, increasingly multicultural society, which is prepared to put it's trust in a fellow Briton by electing him to a position of high office.
Surely this is what Del was seeking to highlight? Or maybe not.

I've become increasingly aware of an element of 'presumed racism' in white Caucasians from other ethnic groups.

Seem much more to me that The tories tried to suggest that a Muslim man was a "bit radical*"

UNless its an Israel thread on line[ and I assume most of them doing this are white but I have no idea and dont care] I have never been called a racist or felt it was "presumed.

Can you highlight some examples please?

* code for terrorist sympathiser

No, we just can't have a Catholic

People who marry Catholics can be enthroned.

Brilliant.. So we can have a Jedi Queen!!!

How awesome would that be!!!

Surely this is what Del was seeking to highlight?

Well he hasn't come back to comment so I think we can assume that his question has been answered.

Although common courtesy and good manners suggests that he should perhaps thank everyone.

Still, perhaps he hasn't had a chance yet.

I have never been called a racist or felt it was "presumed.

Really? Only last week I was working with a labourer on site who informed me that his sister was a slag because she had "**** children". He seemed to feel that I might agree with him.

People are regularly assuming that I share their offensive racist views. Perhaps I just look like a racist?

I have never been called a racist or felt it was "presumed.

@gwaelord, I struggle to believe Farage would have said that, too damaging. Even if he thought it I doubt he'd say it. London Mayor votes showed low support for UKIP, Lib Dems and Greens - very much a two horse race. London has been multi-cultural for the longest time and hasn't seen the sudden influx of immigrants that other areas have.

I wish Kahn all the success he has a chance to be a very positive "role model" after recent less than positive figues like Galloway, Shah and Warsi. His relgion is obviously going to be a focus given the situation we find ourselves in with terrorism and conflict largely being defined by relgion at the moment. He can turn that around and make it a huge positive. When Morsi was here Cameron said he could see a day when a British born Indian could be PM, I think its going to be a while before a leader would say some something similar about a Muslim. Regrettable but a reality imho.

Can you highlight some examples please?

I've experienced it more in social circles, you know with real people.

Sat around a dinner table with an ethnically diverse group of intelligent middle class, educated folk.Probably in the minority as WC. Conversation moves on to topics covering religion/race/racism. Clearly people with bitter experiences of racism in their past. A distinct and quite implied assumption that I must think the the same. That I, even if unconsciously it was explained to me, must harbour similar views and attitudes because of my skin colour. Made to feel hugely uncomfortable.

Taking students to a lecture (more as a minibus driver and then observer than any sort of subject expert I hasten to add) on the topic of ethnic inclusion. Speak after speaker of minority ethnic background talking about the troubles of the past but talking about the present and the future in pretty generalising ways. As the audience was made up of sixth form groups with some clearly from 'whiter' areas than others there were patches of predominately white faces. Speakers happy to gesticulate towards these groups whilst making statements about 'significant attitude change need to be made'. Pretty ironic as any 17/18 year old at a lecture such as that was unlikely to be a rabid racist but implication of 'guilt' was there, if only implied by the hand movement(s). It would have been entirely sociably unacceptable the other way around.

Maybe its an issue of the 'sins of the fathers' and just an uncomfortable phase that needs getting through (if you are a white Caucasian who has never harboured conscious racist opinion).

Come to Scotland and tell folk you voted SNP and/or Yes.

imo, from a discomfort perspective, it is considerably worse the other way around. But that is a conversation for another topic 😉

jambalaya - Member

London has been multi-cultural for the longest time and hasn't seen the sudden influx of immigrants that other areas have.

40% of Londoners are foreign born - which suggests a very significant influx of immigrants, presumably many of them fairly young.

I hear foreign accents all the time, although a lot less West Indian and Irish accents these days.

What do you call a "sudden influx of immigrants" ?

a "sudden influx of immigrants"

"Many millions" of E Europeans????

I just wish we - the human race could just along with each other.

I see people.

Does any one have a voter breakdown by religion race and gender that would be interesting information?

I don't know about that level of detail, but if you look at the sections on ethnicity and religion below, you will have to agree that Sadiq got a pretty good chunk of his support from white christians.

[url= https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London#Ethnic_groups ]London[/url]

Anyway, what is it that the closet racists object to? His ethnicity or his religion?

Sorry, "white Caucasian" - I thought those two words meant the same thing?

Sorry, "white Caucasian" - I thought those two words meant the same thing?

No expert but don't think so. The Caucasian bit refers to bone structure I think and includes a broader collection of folk. The white bit refines down to a subset of those Caucasians of northern European origin. I 'think' people of northern African and Arabic background are also Caucasian.

The Caucasian bit refers to bone structure I think and includes a broader collection of folk.

So you can get other colours of Caucasian? The only time I've ever heard "Brown Caucasian" is in reference to cattle or pigs or something.

I thought (rightly or wrongly) that Causcasian meant "white European". Except in the US where it means white American. So I suppose broadly it means "white and in the same continent I am"? Does it ever apply to Australians?

Didn't mean to derail the thread, I was just curious as to whether I'd missed something here.

[url= https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caucasian_race ]Caucasian[/url]

The word is presumably refers to a conflation of Caucasus and Asia.

Oh and interesting to see the distribution of the Mongoloid race on the Pleistocene map.

I think the closet racists say " the one thing you need to know about Sadiq Khan is ... ............he is in corbyns labour party"

Does it ever apply to Australians?

No idea if they use the term, but I guess so. Google I am sure will win out. The 'origin' bit I guess is referring to your genetic inheritance from thousands of years ago. So the fact your great, great, great, great, great, great granddad was a naughty boy and got deported so you were born on a different part of the planet is an irrelevance.

Yep it's used down here.

So is Sadiq Khan a Brown Caucasian ?

I think we should know.

Although ideally before last Thursday.

I suppose if it's referring to ethnic [i]origin[/i] then it should apply equally to us, the US and Australia as the latter two are largely born of displaced Brits.

[quote=crankboy ]I think the closet racists say " the one thing you need to know about Sadiq Khan is ... ............he is in corbyns labour party"

Yes that is definitely what the Tories did 😯
must be why they made no effort whatsoever to mention his religion/background and why the campaign did not lead to complaints form within the party about the "racist tactics"

REALLY 😯
Its not an endemic problem within the Tory party but this time the PM and the mayoral candidate did undisputably use his religion[ and ironically the fact that as a lawyer *] to smear him as some sort of "terrorist sympathiser" and allude to his race /religion hence . It was so bad and blatant even tories complained about it.

* do you think its fair to judge a lawyer on who they have represented ?