Brilliant: York mosque counters EDL protest with tea, biscuits and football

[cali]

A York mosque dealt with a potentially volatile situation after reports that it was going to be the focus of a demonstration organised by a far-right street protest movement - by inviting those taking part in the protest in for tea and biscuits.

Around half a dozen people arrived for the protest, promoted online by supporters of the EDL. A St George's flag was nailed to the wooden fence in front of the mosque.

However, after members of the group accepted an invitation into the mosque, tensions were rapidly defused over tea and plates of custard creams, followed by an impromptu game of football.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/may/27/york-mosque-protest-tea-biscuits

[Scootaloo]

1. I have to wince at one rose-colored glasses line...

"There is the possibility of having dialogue. Even the EDL who were having a shouting match started talking and we found out that we share and are prepared to agree that violent extremism is wrong."

Except the EDL believes no such thing. Oh they think violent extremism from muslims is wrong... but violent extremism against Muslims? well, to the EDL, that's fair play.

[cali]

2. but if you can engage people, you have a chance at changing their mnds

[Scootaloo]

3. True, and I can't hold it against anyone making that effort

But I'm not going to hold my breath, either

[JI7]

4. i think it helps them among those who are not like EDL

and other extremists.

too many times people who don't associate with extremism will end up believing some of the things they say against people who are different. or get people to not stay silent if they notice people being harrassed.

like the muslim women who were attacked in boston after the bombings and people nearby came to their defense.

[DesertFlower]

5. exactly. nt

[longship]

6. Custard creams do it every time!

How can anybody complain when one's served custard creams?

That alone would do it for me. But I like tea and biscuits, too, so the custard creams would have been the frosting on the cake, so to speak.

Way to go!

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

8. Maybe some Halal Haggis would work, too

well, except for the Scotch, of course.

Food can generally cause a temporary halt to hostilities. I have my doubts as to the long-term impact of this gesture.

[longship]

10. Probably more the communal eating than the actual food.

Although, as a atheist Norse, I would still respectfully decline the Lutefisk at a Lutheran table. But if it were pickled herring, I'd be all in.

[hootinholler]

7. EDL == England Defence League

I googled lol.

[Viking12]

9. Sounds like British for KKK