Has to be Racist Surely
 

I cant believe this!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4457113.stm

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Course it's racist... apart from one fatal flaw. Only white people can be racist. (Or so it seems)

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Lets just make it easier for people to earn in this country and then send the money back home. Thats going to help the economy. NOT

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Not racist.

Has to be this way to comply with the Indian Banking Regulations. probably for the same reason that if a similar scheme was available in India, it would only be open to people of UK origin.

And stop calling me Shirley!

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Perhaps the UK banking regulations should be that non UK decendents cant open UK accounts.

Whats good for one and all that...........

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Well that would be racist, wouldn't it... :rolleyes:;)

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

i know :rolleyes: i was making the point about the Indian banking regulations.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

I know as well. I was being tongue-in-cheek hence the wink... ;)

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

They make it damn hard to get one! When my wife first moved here from Canada a lot of banks refused to give her an account. And the bank that finally gave her an account made her jump through all sorts of hoops.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

It may just have to do with taking out a loan in Rupees, which could be construed as taking currency out of India (which the Indian government is not very fond of), and which may be allowed for people with ties to India, but not others. Odd yes, but not necessarily racist. But then again, I'm just guessing here.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Its not racist..........its practical!

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

:rolleyes:

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

But that's India... this is the UK, in case you hadn't noticed! ;)

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Looks like an exceptionally good marketing ploy to me.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

I wouldn't call playing the race card "exceptionall good marketing" - had this been to the detriment of Indian customers I'm sure you'd be quite vocal in your protests.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Yes, but the bank in the UK are arranging the mortgage (on behalf on the customer) with a lender in India. Therefore the Indian banking regulations will apply to that part of the agreement.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

LloydsTSB is clearly keen to provide accounts which meet the needs of all its customers and potential customers, hence it's launch last month of Shariah compliant mortgages. They have identified a large market which makes a lot of relatively small transactions to overseas accounts (gifts to relatives etc) who are currently getting whacked with hefty transaction charges, and those who may wish to get an Indian mortgage (with an Indian bank). In doing so they must, of course, comply with Indian banking regulations in the same way that an Indian bank doing the opposite would have to comply with UK banking regulations (which can be very stringent regarding inbound currency for example).


Funny how the old 'playing the race card' comes out at every opportunity. Funny too (not) how so little coverage is given on CF threads to the very real and growing problem of racism - often quite vicious and violent - directed at ethnic minorities in the UK. Anyone who thinks racism by ethnic minorities against white people is a bigger problem in the UK is not in possession of the facts (I hope that is polite enough - and I'm not suggesting that you believe this to be true Russ). But this is not reflected in threads here where any possible chance to suggest black on white racism is gleefully seized upon.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

And the "Stating the Obvious Award" for 2005 goes to...

I'll have to knock you up a graphic, you can have an avatar then :LOL:

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Forgive me if I've missed the point of this, but since when has 'Indian', referring to the political entity 'India', been a race? This is about as scandalous as a Canadian bank offering Canadian dollar services to ex-pat Canucks, but because (mostly)* brown skins are involved it's suddenly become a race issue, yeah, right.

If I see issues change because the colour of people's skins change, then it's reasonable to conclude there's racism somewhere, but it may be nearer to home than you think.

*Presumably the thousands of white/mixed race people of Indian descent are eligible for this, too.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

LloydsTSB must have known how controversial this idea would be but knew it would create a 'race' talking point for people, as has happened here, this is why I think this is a disgusting marketing tool.

The reason 'black on white' incidents are jumped on (and I'll happily admit to being such a 'jumper') is because it is almost swept under the carpet and it really does feel (even though there is nothing AFAIK to support this) as if "it's only racist if the victim is black/asian".

If a black guy gets beaten up by whites, the local police force wastes no time in treating it as a racial crime (which, as you say, it often is) however in the opposite scenario, race is very rarely the immediate reaction.

This must STOP.

There is a lot (and I'll stay away from using the word 'plenty') being done to combat racism against blacks. It may happen less but where are the government bodies supporting white victims of racism? Why do leaders of black communities come out and speak against black on white crime?

I'll end this thread by reiterating that I'm aware blacks/asains are far more likely to be victims of racial crime. But that is not to say there should be more help available to them - it should be available to ALL.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

This is what happens black on white racist attacks with violence, you as a honnest white person involve the police with witness's to the incident, then the offenders falsely play the "racism card" and next the police are advising you to not cause any more trouble else they will come down on you like a ton of bricks, close your business and meanwhile you and your entire family is at serious risk of violent attacks from now its not just the people who attacked you in the first place but there entire community, of which is backed up by the police advising you to leave the town you grew up in.

Its known as commercial terrorism using violence to instigate neighbourly problems then accusing the victim of being the offender and driving them away from their succesful business so they can step in and take it over.

It does go on its not a one off here and there.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

the only reason i cant seeing this as being racist as if it breaks Indian bank regulations after all Lloyds TSB has to comply with that end of any deal with ICICI.

i have had a look around and i cant seem to find anything with regards to the regulations.

the fact that plenty of other banks are offering customised services such as non-interest savings accounts and such does not make it racist.

merely they are trying to open up a market to obtain profits and if they have to offer something new and diffarent to a minority then why make a fuss about it ?

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

The fuss is because the right to apply for such a deal is not open to the indiginous customers of the bank in the country in which it's operating.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

So Lloyds TSB aren't being racist, but ICICI or the Indian Banking Regulators are a bunch of xenophobes, by the looks of it. Lloyds TSB are just having to play by their rules.

I'm not sure I see it as a brilliant marketing ploy, as it could be misconstrued as being their decision to restrict it to only those of Indian descent as opposed to what it (apparently) is in reality. Could backfire very easily.

...although saying that, it'll definitely get people talking (like here, for example), so in that sense, their marketing has worked. All news is good news et al.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

That's an extraordinary viewpoint. The total UK market is 1.2m p[eople. Is launching a Shariah mortgage also creating a 'race talking point. I'm sure most people not of Indian descent couldn't give a flying fig about this product as it will not impact on them whatsoever. #

OK, all racist crime and behaviour should be treated equally and appropriately. But as white on black racism is by far the biggest problem, expect resources to be distributed accordingly as they would with any other issue. I hear racist language from white people on an almost daily basis and have today had to encourage the BNP to, er, reproduce among themselves, when leafleting here, an area where there are a number of ethnic minorities who are the subjects of that near daily abuse.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

It's worked on CF.co.uk

So you're saying white-on-black race crime is a more preveilant issue?

That's exactly what I've been saying. I don't see why you've felt the need to repeat part of my post in your own words.

No-one is denying your/my point. But why does it feel to me (and many others) that if I reported a race crime against me from a non-white person, it isn't going to be taken all that seriously?

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

As they say on Radio Clyde "and your point IS caller" ?

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

racism is like intolerance and the unwillingness to integrate into the country you live.

In November, I think, the MCB was sending a delegation to see members of the government 'demanding' they be allowed to introduce Sharia Law into this country, apparently 61% of muslims wanted this, I believe the government rejected it say this is a secular country and it is one law for all, wouldn't you say that was being intolerant of our countries laws.

The MBC is crying because the law on inciting religous hatred has been scrapped for the time being. Not too long ago, there were 2 complaints about an advertising board showing 4 models with their backs to you wearing thongs being displayed near a mosque around Rochdale and Leeds, and the advertising complaints commission upheld the complaints, another case of intolerance.

Then there were the complaints again from the MBC about the programme '24' on Sky, they were shown the first 4 episodes before it went live.

Sureley these are a case of racial intolerance.

I could go on and on, but it's getting to the point were there will be one law for us and another for the others and there is not going to be a happy outcome

For goodness sake this is britain, it is getting to the point we have to be careful what we say, goodbye democracy.

Now there is a case of a shopowner in Liverpool who has been told to take down his St George's flags because they are a health and safety hazzard, right, that is a poor excuse. What about christmas when schools were stopped holding their nativity plays.

I have said enough now, makes my blood boil, it's time the ethnic minorities stopped moaning and got a life and started living in the 21's century, religion is a private thing and should not be forced upon people the way that it is being done now.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

No comment!



Well I can disagree with you if you'd prefer. Anything to please ;)

Why is the fear of crime so much bigger than the risk of crime?

Anecdotal evidence but..... a white friend of mine recently complained to her daughter's school about racist language against her daughter, and it was dealt with under the anti-racism policy. The fact her daughter loudly exclaimed once that 'Pakis should go home' was an at first irony sadly lost on her though (although I kindly pointed it out)
__________________

Not sure where you're getting some of that information from.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Thats all I would expect!

In an ideal world there would be no "race card" to play to gain preferential treatment. It has already been mentioned in this thread, that a white person attacks a black person and its almost certain that the act is reported and treated by the police as a racist attack, this never seems to apply the other way around though.

The people who jump to the conclusion that an attack is racist without actually looking at the facts are idiots.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

I would disagree that an attack on a black person is almost certain to be a racist atack. Funnily enough there has to be a racial motive for a crime to classed as racially motivated and the Police do not categorise simply on the basis of people of different races being involved.

But whatever, it remains the fact (sorry to say this again Russ :) ) that it is racism from whites against ethnic minorities that is easily the biggest problem so whilst it's important for all racist crime to be treated equally, it is also important not to give undue prominence to a much, much smaller issue. And this is why I question why so many threads appear fixated on such issues, rather than say, the increasing number of racially motivated attacks against Muslims, Jews, Kurds etc.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Just because white-on-black is the most common form of racial crime and discrimination, it doesn't mean it should automatic precedence over black-on-white discrimination, and black-on-black crime.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

"But the service will not be available to people of non-Indian descent."

That's the key to this issue. No, it's not necessarily racist, but it is discriminatory. However, if you believe Indian to be anything to do with the Indian race, then it is racist.

But before people start getting het up about race attacks etc (too late methinks?), let us consider the opposite situation: supposing the bank were to offer a service that were not available to people of Indian descent... wouldn't that be classed as racist?

It has been said before, and it will be said again... if you discriminate for someone, you are thereby discriminating against others. That is wrong, and I believe in this case it's also illegal? It may have been a clever marketing ploy if you are one of the 1.2 million eligible, but it is a real smack in the teeth if you are one of the other 50 million plus in this country.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

During the 1950s-1960s in the south of the US, there was another marketing ploy, which was that coloured* people had to sit away from the white people in restaurants, etc. As a maketing ploy, that did rather well, but was proven to be very illegal, so why isn't this? At least the coloured people were still allowed to eat in the restaurant.

*Always though that term was a bit naff, isn't white a colour then?

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

That's not what I'm suggesting Punky. An equal hand should be applied to all racist behaviour - I've said that! But what I'm saying is perspective is required, that's all. And the perspective seems a little skewed on CF.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Well that is what Me283 and I are saying. So why are we arguing if we all agree?

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Search me mate! (although it's an unusual case for me of ignorance being bliss when it comes to me283's posts :) )

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

If I saw a job advertised which said "Uruguayans only need apply", or saw a retaurant that was "whites only", or even read an article which discriminated against the Japanese, I would be just as miffed. The bank has discriminated, that's the point of this thread, and I can't see how that can be denied.

I wonder if the CRE are on the case here?

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

You are saying exactly what I was saying with your first line, its the point I was trying to make.

I am highlighting that whilst it might not be a racist attack, it appears to be the first conclusion that many people jump to in that situation. Unfortunately some people want to give crimes a label such as "Racially motivated" "Road rage" "Sexist" etc..

Often the reason has nothing to do with the above.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Hold up. How are we supposed to have a heated debate if we start agreeing with each other? C'mon, play fair :)

You know what, the sun is shining on the Bury cobbles and all is well with the world!

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

The point you were making IMO did not deserve any more of a dignified response.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

If, as it has been suggested here, this is due to the fact that to get a bank account in India you have to be of Indian descent, then surely it cannot be considered discrimination by the bank in the UK. What point is there in them offering you a service that you cannot have for reasons outside of their control? Would you prefer that they made the concept of the service available to all, only for you to be told at a later stage in the process that you can`t actually use it as the Indian account cannot be put in place?

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Whilst it is usually difficult to open a bank account in a given country as a foreign national, I have not heard of it being impossible. However, Lloyds have picked up on the fact the British Indians (whatever that term means) will be able to open accounts with ICICI, which is an Indian bank. Now, I might be reading this wrong, but if someone is British, then by what has been implied, ICICI will not give them an account; if they are Indian they will. Which means that British Indians as a term is a bit of a misnomer.

Looking at it from a different perspective, they state that "Customers wanting to use the service must first open an account with Lloyds TSB, which will then open a second account on their behalf with ICICI". However, if they only have to prove Indian descent, then the service is also technically open to people who are British.

Another interesting point in the article is the mention of Lloyds TSB having recently launched an "Islamic current account". What the Hell is that?! I thought Islam was a religion?

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

I'd imagine it to be one that doesn't pay interest.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Muslims have different banking rules (they can't charge interest amongst others, so Muslim banks make their money through other charges). I would imagine it is a bank account that abides by these rules. I'm sure you could set one up if you wanted to.

Regarding the Indians, it may not have to do with the account, but with the mortgage and taking money out of the country.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

"Lloyds TSB Bank launches service for British Indians:-
London | April 18, 2005 9:02:30 PM IST

British Indians living in the UK will be able to use branches of Lloyds TSB bank to arrange a rupee mortgage to buy property in India.

According to the BBC, Lloyds TSB's India banking service will also permit free money transfers between the UK and India.

The service is aimed at the UK's 1.2 million strong Indian community, many of whom have property, investments and savings in India.

But the service will not be available to people of non-Indian descent.

In order to launch its India Banking Service, Lloyds TSB has entered into partnership with Indian bank ICICI.

Customers wanting to use the service must first open an account with Lloyds TSB, which will then open a second account on their behalf with ICICI.

This will allow customers to transfer money between the Lloyds TSB and ICICI accounts for free.

In addition, the customer will have access to ICICI's home loan service, which will enable them to apply for a rupee mortgage to buy property in India, for themselves or as a buy-to-let investment.

Lloyds TSB, which recently launched an Islamic current account, said it believed the India banking service would help meet the needs of its British Indian customers.

"Many British Indians have businesses, properties and families back home which they continue to finance," Lloyds TSB spokesman Gordon Rankin said.

"The India Banking Service is designed with the needs of this community in mind and should help a large and vital part of the population get the most out of their money."

The India banking service will be available in all Lloyds TSB branches from the end of April.

But customers must be prepared to prove their Indian descent to open an account to comply with Indian banking regulations, Lloyds TSB said.(ANI)

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Fair enough, but I still feel that it would be possible for someone of non-Indian descent to open a bank account in India. The opening of a bank account is to do with an individual, not their forefathers.

Anyway, I wonder if they will do the same for Polish customers? Or Lithuanians? I regularly transfer money into Europe, will they do that for me without charges?

As I mentioned previously, whilst it is no doubt a good marketing ploy on the one hand, I think it will cause a lot of dissent on the other.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Maybe it's simply not possible for people not of Indian descent to open an account while not resident in India? I would have thought it extremely unlikely that an ex-pat of any nationality would be barred from holding an account at an Indian bank while resident in the country.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

OK, to put this in perspective, I know people who invest in property overseas. If they thought an opportunity were worth taking up in India, they would invest in property there. This usually necessitates opening an account in the country involved (certainly in cases where mortgages are involved, or services are required). Hence, someone in this situation would be discriminated against by Lloyds TSB.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

All I can about this is " How are you today my friend? ":D

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Does this mean that Indian banking law is discriminatory?! :)

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Well, actually they're being discriminated against by ICICICICICIC or whatever they're called, or more accurately the Indian banking reg's, rather than Lloyds. I have no doubt that Lloyds TSB would take the chance to make some cash out of this from whites, asians and blacks alike if they could. It makes no sense for Lloyds to bar people from this deal if there is money to be made from it.

I don't have a clue why Indian banking regs would want to prevent the establishment of offshore accounts, but perhaps it could be to do with wanting to try to get people to set up offices in the territory (job creation) or to prevent property prices being pushed up by relatively rich foreign investors buying things up. Or maybe the Indian Government is just racist.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

I wonder if this will create anything like the backlash that Barclays suffered regarding South Africa a few years back... I'm not saying for one second that the two issues are identical, just wondering rhetorically.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

"Local financing
All sources of local financing are available to foreign-participation companies incorporated in India, regardless of the extent of foreign participation. Under foreign exchange regulations, foreigners and non-residents, including foreign companies, require the permission of the Reserve Bank of India to borrow from a person or company resident in India."

http://finance.indiamart.com/investm...dia/banks.html

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

So surely that includes people of Indian descent, who are British? And foreign nationals CAN open a bank account in India.

What Lloyds TSB should be saying is that they require proof of an Indian bank account, not proof of Indian descent. By saying what they have, they are distorting the facts a little.

Anyway, the article stated that if you can prove Indian descent (even if you are a British national, and hence a foreigner in India), they will open an Indian bank account for you. Presumably the Indian banking regs apply to them too, so how can they guarantee permission from the Reserve Bank of India?

I don't wish to sound pedantic, but Lloyds TSB have just made what some perceive to be a discriminatory move, and used the excuse of regulations which are being somewhat mis-represented.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

OK, I disagree ;)

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

According to the CAB:

It is unlawful for anyone providing goods, facilities or services in the United Kingdom to discriminate on grounds of race, either by refusing to provide goods, services or facilities, or by providing them on less favourable terms or conditions. This is the case regardless of whether the goods, services or facilities are provided for payment or free.

†˜Racial groundsââ‚à ‚¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ include:-

• colour
• race
• nationality
• ethnic or national origins.

Seems to me that the only question is whether the UK bank is providing the Indian account as a service or just acting as the applicant's agent. Presumably the test would be if someone of non-Indian descent applied, would the UK bank fill in all the forms on their behalf, send them off, then relay the refusal back to them, or if they simply declined to offer the service ?

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Well the sun has gone down now but the cobbles are still there. Are you starting?!! ;)

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Well, Lloyds TSB are calling it the Indian Banking Service... Now, one would imagine that by their very wording they are acting illegally; alternatively, if they fall back on the "acting as an agent" argument, then they are being unethical at best, and possibly still acting illegally at best.

Anyway, time will tell.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

I'd imagine the reason LloydsTSB insist on proof of descent is because it will make administration a whole lot easier; otherwise they could presumably end up stuck in the middle of disputes over permissions and denials by the Bank of India which would could make the thing unworkable. Had the Indian bank not got these regulations I'm sure the account would be open to all because there would be reason not to. With a market of 1.2m to target (plus a foothold in India itself which has a growing economy and an inefficient banking system), there's every reason to do what they're doing

I think some people are looking for racist intent that simply isn't there.

Russ, if you're still watching, you mentioned that LloydsTSB did this to create a stir. Apart from on CF I've not seen any adverse comment on this initiative - and I've checked an awful lot of news stories.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

This is somewhat reminiscent of the annoying habits of credit card companies who send out offers of 0% interest on balance transfers; I have called a few, and they were very keen to give me the facility until I pointed out that I already had their card. Then I was told that the offer was only for new customers, and existing customers had to pay the standard interest!

If I were a customer of Lloyds TSB who had to pay fees on transfers to other countries, I would be pretty miffed at this.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

That'd be my take on it too.

This cant be right, can it? me283 and cookie_365 agreeing on something? :erm:

Is someone else typing your posts ??? ;)

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Sorry, just got back after being offline all day. What the...??!!

Just kidding! It stands to reason that one day we would agree on something... it was just a case of when you were going to admit I was right ;)

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Well that certainly isn't going to ever happen ;) !!

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Thanks to anon for this link: http://www.k****ij.com/inr/inr6.shtml For info, Indian nationals are not permitted to hold foreign currency accounts.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

It looks like the swear filter has messed up that link Andy :)

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

It'll create talking points between people, not just in the media.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Well you'll just have to believe me then ;)


Or you could replace the asterisks with another word for 'pooh'!
__________________

Well again, absolutely nobody I know has mentioned this. Plenty of political issues and ideas bouncing around, but not this one. Those with a racist agenda may pick up on it I guess but that's their problem.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

It's probably because you may not be affected by this sort of thing - an example of this (albeit and extreme one) would be a racist attack on someone of your own ethnic background - I would not notice it as much as you perhaps would.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

But who is going to be affected by this sort of thing? It's just not an issue and frankly to suggest that LloydsTSB did this to cause a stir is absurd. This decision is driven purely by commerce.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

It's not a matter of who is affected, it's about equality and fairness to all. And I've never said they just do this just to cause a stir, it is obviously a business decision - my point is they knew that doing it would cause a reaction - "there's no such thing as bad publicity" etc

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Well I think we've established the logistics and legals of the product. So, on the causing a reaction, I'm confused as to what you think LTSB should have done. They are targeting a massive market and clearly want to publicise it to that market. They are simply promoting a product - causing a stir doesn't come into it. In the public arena it simply hasn't caused a stir - if it was in any way controversial, surely it would have done? All the publicity has been about the reasoning behind, and practicalities of, the product.

As I say a few racists out there might try and make something of it (ignoring the realities of the situation as they do), but that's about as far as it might go.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

I've not suggested I know what they should have done - I don't know the market. It was a cynical ploy to use the law to their advantage. A clever business decision? Possibly but it doesn't mean I have to like it.

Let's assume there was a scenario where a financial institution could clearly make an extended profit if one of their services was only open to UK residents who could prove their British nationality through 4 generations, by exploiting an imaginary 'British heritage tax allowance". I'm using a deliberately hypothetical example here as it's unlikely such a service could possibly exist. Anyway assuming this allowance would be totally legal - do you think it would ever make it to the market place? Although within the law it would sound too close to racism and therefore unworkable.

My point is, what LloydsTSB are doing sounds like it could be racist but as the vast majority of those taking advantage of it would be of ethnic origin, it is deemed more 'acceptable'.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

LTSB are launching an account targeted at people who may wish to send to or invest money within India - which has it's own banking regulations. I think we have established, or I thought we had, that there is clearly no racist intent in launching this product, just a practical, commercial inititiative framed by relevant legislation. I am equally sure British citizens abroad can take advantage of British tax laws to their advantage when they choose to (say an ISA allowance) and use their nationality (even when they haven't lived here for many, many years) to take part in our elections which help frame our tax policies. I think there's a bag of McCains on your shoulder with regard to your comment on this being more acceptable because this product is targeted at ex-pat Indians and their descendants. ;)

Gonna have to sign off for a while. Catch yous laters!

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Anyone would think you're under the impression I'm calling this offer 'racist' :)

Next time you feel you may be disadvantaged because of your race, I'll be sure to accuse you of having a chip on your shoulder too :)

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

I am in the situation where I cannot mention it at the moment!

There is one from Indian and another from Pakistan, sat within a few feet of me. If I were to bring it up, I'm sure I would be seen as racist.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Frankly, I am at a loss as to why anyone would want to bring it up (given what has been established in this thread).

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Because its a topical subject!

I am making the point that its a taboo subject because anyone who has a negative viewpoint and disagrees will be classed as a racist. the big problem is some people do not see the argument as being un-baised, they just see it as an excuse to have a go at a certain group.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

I agree, it is a topical subject (or was at the outset of this thread) but given what has been established in this thread, my feeling is that it is a complete non-issue.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

I don't see why particularly, although if you were to say 'look at this racist bank' you might ;)

Your Pakistani colleague is unable to open an account in India BTW, so could spark an interesting debate in the office!

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

It would probably open an interesting debate or start a war, cos they dont actually speak to each other!

The Indian guy is the traditional type, and the Pakistani has integrated. Whilst I get on very well with both of them, the Indian is a very strange person indeed. He has today been trying to scrounge an old PC monitor because his own at home is faulty, I find it very strange cos he has been contracting with our company for a large hourly rate and has been taken on about 12 months ago for around 32K. It seems from what he says that any money the family members earn is put into a large pot to be shared equally, and thats why he is driving around in a 13 year old car/banger.

It is very funny to sit in the middle of these two and chuckle to myself when they clearly hate each other because of their different beliefs. I chuckle mainly because I suppose I am the white guy sat there who could be classed as the "stereotypical racist" because I say it as it is, but on the other hand I am tolerant of their beliefs and talk to people even if I dont agree with them.

I read some of these posts today, and thought better of mentioning it though ;)

The Indian guy has a very stern look on his face when I mentioned last week that I was going out boozing and womanising for the weekend. I suppose thats the difference between us, I wouldn't give him that sort of look if he said he was going to spend the weekend praying.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

I dont like how we cant even discuss these types of subject anymore!
Because of people who are racist and really have a go, overly sensitive people from other cultures (probably because of racism) and the sympathesisers who call you a racist if you say the slightest thing about anouther race.
I myself am not racist, I can see why the account is only for Indian people, as it is required by Indian banking law.
The real question here is should a bank supply a service that is discriminatory?
To be honest I dont really know, it probably makes the lives of Indians in Britain much easier, but I think that people should not be allowed to offer services that everyone cannot access, as it is discriminatory.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

I think the bottom line is that it makes it easier for Indians to come to this country to work and freely transfer the money back home. Now you could call me racist for saying that, but surely people coming here to work from other countries should also have much to complain about.

This is nothing more than favouritism for Indians, and discrimination against UK citizens and other foreign people legally working in this country!

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Have I missed something here? I thought we were talking about UK national of Indian descent? Presumably foreign nationals are permitted to hold accounts in India?

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Is this racist?

http://www.ipswich-bs.co.uk/index2.htm

You can't avail yourself of certain financial services at IBS unless you live in East Anglia. How is this different from being unable to avail yourself of certain financial services unless you or your ancestors lived in India? The only difference I can think of is that you can always move to the area if you want an account there, but you can't change your ancestry.

Would Spike Milligan's descendents be able to use the LloydsTSB scheme, do we know? He was born in India, after all. He didn't go to Ireland till he was 29, by the way, yet is still known as an Irishman. People have a nasty habit of not staying in the pigeonholes you put them in - sometimes it's best not to put them in pigeonholes.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Oh I am so fed up with people with Ipswich. They come over here, with there culture and expect US to change. Did you know that hospitals in the ipswich area are FULL of people of ipswich? Same with benefits. We should send everyone who lives in ipswich BACK to ipswich

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

An earlier post detailed the criteria under which it is considered that racial discrimination is considered to have occurred. These include racial, religious and ethnic inequality... I don't think "not living in Ipswich" comes under the umbrella, as the offe appears open to all races, ethnice groups etc in those postcodes.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

Last time I looked Ipswich was a geographic area as was India. Hope nobody out there would confuse nationality with race.

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

The big difference is that one is offering a service to people living in a post code area, and the other is offering a service to someone born in another country.

There is nothing wrong with offering a service to a specific area, but to a specific group of people is another issue. What would be the outcome if I opened a Cafe and only allowed white English and Welsh people to eat and drink in it!

Re: Has to be Racist Surely
 

A geographical, multi-racial area... sounds pretty fair to me, they aren't discriminating against any particular race therefore they can't be accused of racial discrimination... that is what the thread was about, by the way.