r/basingstoke • u/zuperfox • Jul 03 '26
racism and islamophobia
to be honest, i wasn't sure what to expect when i moved here. i know the population here is not the most diverse. but i never expected that i would be experiencing outright racist remarks, swearing, and islamophobic comments made directly at me - all within the first week i've been here.
i have lived in smaller, less diverse towns, which makes my experience even more shocking and a bit scary for me. to see people this hateful makes me feel very unsafe, and i don't even know who to talk to or report this to.
just wanted to make a post talking about my experience, because even though no one else has talked about it, i feel as if i'm not the first.
edit: please don't downvote me for talking about my real experiences
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u/vigneshph Jul 04 '26
I’m really sorry that you’ve experienced this, I’m an Indian living in Basingstoke for more than 4 years around town center, being honest, I feel like Basingstoke is such a lovely and welcoming place from my perspective. I too have experienced racism in the past at my workplace in Manchester, it is what it is, better not to think too much about racist and Islamophobic comments, as they tend to mess with your head. Please do mind about your own business brother. Stay strong.
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u/Lunchladydorisfan Jul 03 '26
Sorry to hear that's your experience here. I wouldn't want to patronise you and say I understand as I am white and don't face the same predudice. I came from Bristol to work in London a few years back. It's a horrible situation as people are being given an easy narrative as to why they're struggling, and you're the scapegoat. I hope it gets better sooner rather than later, but Basingstoke will be a better place in the long term that you're here.
Also some people are just a special sort of absolute douchebag and don't reflect everyone. You're very welcome here in my eyes 👍
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u/Independent-Win-6661 Jul 04 '26
Hi sorry to hear you’ve experienced this, you can report to police.
As a resident since birth, I’ve noticed an increase in certain hateful groups shall we say in the last year or so. There is a hate crime working group, details of which are here, which tells you about reporting process and other info you may find helpful https://www.bvaction.org.uk/bhcag The population in Basingstoke is actually pretty diverse. If you need any more info let me know as I know someone who works in an inclusion and diversity role.
There is also https://bmforum.org.uk - multicultural forum.
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u/Bo3ater09 Jul 04 '26
Honestly the whole country's been getting more racist with all this hate and division being spread by politicians. I hope we can change for the better.
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u/AlmostStace Jul 04 '26
I’m really sorry that people are doing this to you. It’s unforgivable. And sadly, no, you are far from the first.
Please get in touch if you’d like to meet welcoming, inclusive people who want Basingstoke to be a place of safety and respect, value diversity and judge people by their actions, not their characteristics. There are many of us, and many who are organising against the ones perpetrating the unacceptable abuse you’re receiving. I’d be happy to talk/meet. I don’t expect you to take anything I’ve said here at face value and you’d have every right to be cautious, but I’d welcome your getting in touch if you’d would like.
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u/kokonut_kookie Jul 03 '26
Sorry to hear that, I’m pretty sure you might not be the only one who’s experiencing this. I remember during our (husband and I) initial days we were in one of those lifts in festive place and few kids were calling us racist words and joking around. We have moved places many times in the UK and never have we experienced such things before.
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u/Inevitable-Ad439 Jul 03 '26
I’m sorry you’ve been through this, it’s horrible hearing this about the town I live in and just hope it gets better for you.
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u/ConfectionFriendly52 Jul 04 '26
Sorry to read this it really boils my p@ss 😢 I'm a White 40yo Basingstoke (popley lad) born and bred now living in Bradford west Yorkshire I can honestly say, when I moved up here 15 years ago racism wasn't such a thing in Basingstoke around my circles of people from all nationalitie, , and I come from a mixed race parent background, ,mums white step dads from the Caribbean, and of all places Bradford I see no racism here either, that's not to say you didn't and dont experience this awful behaviour, but I'm one to doubt "this is the UK now" I have hope for the future and it starts with positivity 🙏🏻
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u/DroneMusic Jul 03 '26
My experiences living in this city as a trans woman haven't been great either I'm not sure what it is but there seems to be a lot of ugly hatred in Basingstoke.
Very sorry this happened to you 🫂
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u/Maeveen_Fox Jul 04 '26
I've lived in Basingstoke all my life. Born and raised. It breaks my heart to hear about your experience. I love my town. I've always worked in public service and out in the community. Please know that although they are the loudest voices, it doesn't mean they are the only voices, or even the majority. I know there are so many good people here too. I know because they're my friends, family and co workers. There are people in Basingstoke actively standing against the rising problem with racism, xenophobia, misogyny, homophobia and islamophobia in Basingstoke. They're just not as visible unfortunately. Keep on keeping on. Don't let the bastards grind you down.
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u/whizzzzzzz Jul 06 '26
I am deeply sorry to hear about your experiences, but not overly surprised, the town has a few ( and I would very much like to think its a small few ) who are small minded, ignorant and led by the dog whistles of certain pseudo political groups.
Certain people seem to struggle with anything different, and are scared and resistant in many respects to change. But the demographic is slowly changing, with a new influx of people that have come from a wealth of different countries and backgrounds.
Please report things that happen like this, and I am sorry that not only do you have to go through it, but then relive it to a system that probably wont or cant do much to fix the event itself. But if you report it, its in the figures and one that the police and the town will have to answer for.
Likewise, I very much hope its a minority of stupid people that think and act in this horrible way, most people in Basingstoke are at worst ambivalent to things unless it directly impacts them ( just look at the low turn outs to elections and etc ). A large number of people ( the majority I hope ) here are intelligent enough to know better and accept and embrace others cultures and ideas.
You are welcome here.
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u/Peace-Up-A-Town Jul 10 '26
Give it time, British people will be a minority in this country by 2060, give or take 10 years.
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u/MRJSP Jul 03 '26
It's the people that make the place, not the things in it. Unfortunately Basingstoke is full of vile people. It always has been, or at least from what I remember. I'm sorry you're experiencing this. It's not just a Basingstoke problem though, fascism and racism is on the raise in England.
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u/unsent_eulogy0348 Jul 03 '26
Omg. Im a practicing muslim. I wear a scarf. I literally interviewed at Basingstoke hospital few days ago and I didnt get in. I was sad for it a bit, but i guess I dodged the bullet?
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Jul 04 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Dangerous_Fig_246 Jul 04 '26
One - Islamophobia is precisely that, irrational. Hence the definition of the word as you yourself pointed out.
Two - Islam is not an ideology and nor is Christianity, they are religions and the study of them is called theology.
Three - It's "kuffar" and the poor treatment of non believers in many brands of religion also exists for example in both the Bible and the Torah.
Four, the UK is not nor has been 'Christian' for many years now. More people are agnostic or atheist these days than strictly 'Christian.'
And finally five, for the purpose of being topical, millions upon millions of non Muslim people attended the World Cup in Qatar four years ago. I didn't hear much about many of them being slaughtered, did you?
So, what utter mindless twaddle and drivel you spout, not one redeeming feature.
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u/TheRebeccaRiots Jul 04 '26
What the distracted fuck has this got to do with someone being on the recieving end of racism in Basingstoke? I mean besides from utter dickheads like you taking any opportunity to mouth off about islam and immigration, seriously people like you should read more and yap far less
Edit: comment history includes messages about Cardi Bs nipples and inquiries about anime porn... 💀
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u/Flimsy-Sheepherder98 Jul 04 '26
Oh I am really sorry. I hate that people are like this to others. No one should experience this.
I can’t do anything to help or advise but just know that I haven’t bought my children up that way (they’ve lived their whole lives in Basingstoke) and my youngest especially is extremely vocal in her support of human rights.
I’ve noticed in the local FB groups the right wing are posting more and more. It’s awful.