Nice People Thread Number 10 -the official residence of Nice People

lostinrates

Nikkster wrote: »

I agree, I like to find out about people too (doesn't just stop at ethnic background). Hopefully I've never offended anyone.
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DH was originally quite shocked that I had guessed he was Jewish. Its not as if his name is particularly a clue.

Lots of people you just cannot tell what there back ground is, lots you can. I don't see it as anything 'shameful'. Similarly, when I look at horses or dogs ''m thinking what are the breeds in that mixed breed or what breeds went into that breed creation! Its not 'racism' it's just.....interesting to me. With animals I'm always keen to wonder why people made particular crosses, and do so now ( besides funny names ) . There are stories to tell about the terrain they worked and the jobs they did and thus the work being done in society at the time.

With people you can see trade routes sometimes, across nations who have no obvious connection till you understand so e slip stream or something. Incredible.


Of course, mostly you just see people, horses and dogs, but.....

PasturesNew

lostinrates wrote: »

Last day of dh's holiday. Lir confined to bed. . Its not grevious. Had a good run on my feet. Think body is probably reminding me not to get over confident.

Or, as a non posh person would remark: All sh*gged out

PasturesNew

lostinrates wrote: »

DH was originally quite shocked that I had guessed he was Jewish. Its not as if his name is particularly a clue.

I've never understood the whole J-hating thing. I knew that Mr H did it and created a world war from it.... and, from telly programmes, I've seen that they've often been "driven from the land" and I don't get why.

As I see it they were allowed to perform a function that some other religions weren't. The followers of those religions were happy enough to use those services.

They seemed to do it well. Getting on with what they did, a bit of trade and commerce. Doing well. Creating society and harmony.

I've never heard of a bunch starting a war (maybe I'm just poorly informed/educated) .... but I can't see an actual reason that so many people have disliked one group for so long.

Now, other group hating I can see there's a basis for it.

But never the Js.

Odd to me.

vivatifosi

lostinrates wrote: »

With people you can see trade routes sometimes, across nations who have no obvious connection till you understand so e slip stream or something. Incredible.

So right! That's why I like tinkering around in the dusty back corners of history that don't get visited much. There is so much to know that is not common knowledge. Everything is more nuanced, more interesting than it at first seems, and dusty historical figures somehow become real.

lostinrates wrote: »

Of course, mostly you just see people, horses and dogs, but.....

One day, I will pm or email you some pics of my dogs so you can put your best guess on what the mutts were made up of. I think it is fun to guess.

Meanwhile I'm reading this at the moment:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Inside-Dog-Alexandra-Horowitz/dp/1451672756/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388921918&sr=8-1&keywords=inside+of+a+dog

Which is so enjoyable. The first comment on Amazon really sums it up. When I've finished it, my mum will read it and I know it will be passed around.

SingleSue

My ancesters on my paternal side were 'driven from the land' because they were Jewish many years ago, where from I didn't ask at the time and unfortunately, my nan has now passed so I can't ask.

The really sad thing about it was when they arrived in this country, they hid the fact they were Jewish, going to the local church like their new neighbours, changed their surname to be more 'English' and as a consequence, my great grandmother (1st generation British), was not allowed to follow the faith for fear of hate/being driven out again and it disappeared from that line.

vivatifosi

SingleSue wrote: »

My ancesters on my paternal side were 'driven from the land' because they were Jewish many years ago, where from I didn't ask at the time and unfortunately, my nan has now passed so I can't ask.

The really sad thing about it was when they arrived in this country, they hid the fact they were Jewish, going to the local church like their new neighbours, changed their surname to be more 'English' and as a consequence, my great grandmother (1st generation British), was not allowed to follow the faith for fear of hate/being driven out again and it disappeared from that line.

How long back are we talking Sue? Records for this are not too bad if relatively recent history and you may be able to find out where they were from, if not much else.

Your local library may have free Find My Past and/or Ancestry subscriptions that you can have a pootle around if you have time.

tomterm8

PasturesNew wrote: »

I've never heard of a bunch starting a war (maybe I'm just poorly informed/educated) .... but I can't see an actual reason that so many people have disliked one group for so long.

The Jews were a very convenient scapegoat for Hitler. As were the intellectual elite, homosexuals, gypsies, people from Eastern Europe, people with Aspergers and other people who were regarded as mentally ill or antisocial, people who supported rival ideologies including democracy, socialism, and communism and various other people.

Hatred, as far as hitler was concerned, was its own reason.

Tahlullah

I agree with everything that is being said. People need something to separate others from themselves, the need to be different, unique. But instead of recognising that as a good thing, they twist it to be bad. You are not like me... But you don't want me to be like you. Look at the effort you go to so that you stand out in a crowd. The shoes, the hair, the clothes, the sunbed sessions, makeup, car etc.

I remember the programme 'Love thy neighbour' as well. Everyone watched it. Wasn't it funny? Well, no it wasn't remotely funny for people to be called names at school because the telly said it was acceptable and the parents thought it was a good programme. Children can be really cruel without the understanding of what they are saying and the full meaning.

Having said that, the type of bullying on this forum doesn't appear to be related to the protected characteristics under the Equalities Act, but just down to pack mentality related to perceived intelligence and free speech. And I don't think this will end, because people will always wish to be in one team or another, be that football, political groups or just that innate feeling that I am superior to you because of my job or education.

Anyone watching Big Brother? Not that this is something I do, just that there is an interesting combination of people in the house. Two especially. I am certain nothing will come of it, but no doubt, the non white section of the population will be watching to see if Jim Davison does his Chalky character in front of Evander Holyfield. Let us hope that he realises that this may not be a good idea.

As a generalisation, I have found that most non whites do not mind being asked where they are from, born, or where their parents were from, depending on the tone and the questions leading up to it.

lostinrates

Looks like an interesting recommendation viva, I'll try a d remember to check it out.

At risk of being boring I'll recommend again the very not new books by budianski, ( Steven or Stephen cannot remember). Such brilliant compilations of what's now old research but still very interesting and valid w to look at animals. A scientific approach by a scientific journalist who loves his animals. I don't wholly agree with anyone, but I do think his approach is pretty perfect one for non scientists to get past anthropomorphism. I think they are great books.

lostinrates

tomterm8 wrote: »

The Jews were a very convenient scapegoat for Hitler. As were the intellectual elite, homosexuals, gypsies, people from Eastern Europe, people with Aspergers and other people who were regarded as mentally ill or antisocial, people who supported rival ideologies including democracy, socialism, and communism and various other people.

Hatred, as far as hitler was concerned, was its own reason.

This is the biggest truth. I think other groups are forgotten in the sheer numbers and strength of voice in the Jewish plight then.


Fwiw, in our generation dh's German cousins did not do their German national service because they don't have to ( one wouldn't have to because of degree or career choice.....he's a banker ) I believe this is wrong. Our generation need to stop perpetuating this divide and move on together.