SKY SPORTS:RYAN GIGGS “I NEVER FELT IT IN CARDIFF”

Ryan Giggs opens up on being made to feel 'different' because of race

SKY SPORTS

Tuesday 27th October 2020

Wales boss Ryan Giggs says he is "immensely proud" of his mixed background, with his father, former rugby player Danny Wilson, being black, and his mother, Lynne Giggs, being white

Ryan Giggs has spoken about how he was made to feel "different" because of his mixed-race heritage after moving from Wales to England as a child and never felt any racism in Cardiff.

The Wales manager, 46, also said he had "no hesitation" in taking the knee to support the "important message" of the Black Lives Matter movement at recent international games.

Giggs spoke about his experiences to former Wales rugby International Richard Parks for ITV Wales programme Can I Be Welsh And Black?, looking at the significance of ethnicity in today's Wales.

The former Manchester United winger said he was "immensely proud" of his mixed background, with his father, former rugby player Danny Wilson, being black, and his mother, Lynne Giggs, being white.

The family moved to Manchester from Cardiff when Giggs was seven after his father signed for rugby league side Swinton.

Asked about the first time he was made to feel "different" because of his race, Giggs said: "I didn't experience anything in Cardiff. I was seven, so I can't remember a lot before that. It wasn't until I moved to Manchester.

"Where I lived, my dad was very well known, because he was such a good player. He was probably the best player in the team in that town.

"As you can guess, to look at me, you wouldn't think my dad was black.


"But obviously everyone knowing that was my dad, and my dad quite clearly being black, that's really when I sort of experienced the first time. Which was a bit weird, because I'd never experienced that before."

Giggs said he would define himself as "mixed race", but that he had never decided to "shout about" the fact, saying: "It's just who I am."

He also spoke about his memories of visiting "home" to see his black cousins in Cardiff's docks area.

"It was weird because when I was in Manchester there was no black people at my school. One or two. And obviously when I go back home I'm just surrounded by my dad's family," Giggs said.

"I loved it. There used to be a carnival every year down the docks, and I used to love going to that. It was just normal for me. It was great for me to have that diversity."

Asked what it meant being mixed race and Welsh at this point in life, Giggs responded: "I think immensely proud, first of all."

He said the decision to take the knee along with his Wales players at recent international games was to show the nation "didn't put up with discrimination or racism".

"There was no hesitation with myself and with my staff and with the team," he said

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Didn't this proud Welshman play for England?

Didn't this proud Welshman play for England?

England Schools as he went to school in England not Wales. If his Dad played rugby League in Glasgow he would probably have played for Scotland Schools.

He would have still played for Wales if he played for any schools side as he was born in Wales and only has welsh patronage however I'm sure Jack Charlton would have found him an Irish grandmother somewhere.

He played for England schools and you played for the country you were in school at the time Nothing to finish with your nationality

Didn't this proud Welshman play for England?

English schoolboys...because he went to an English school and obviously couldn't play for Welsh schools!!

Giggs is black, Welsh and proud...just like a ton of other black, Welsh and proud people who appeared on a BBC Wales programme the other night. It was really refreshing to see a load of talented people who were proud of their Black heritage as well as their Welsh heritage.

Anyone else enjoy it?

What a terrible title for TV show, 'Can I be Black and Welsh' great to see Giggs and others showing just how dumb this question is.

Of course you bloody can, for the thousandth time Wales is not a racist country and never has been certainly not in my lifetime.

Eric Young and Nathan Blake were my two heroes as a kid, race just wasn't a factor in life.

ITV Wales bandwagon jumping to score cheap woke points.

Every time I see Giggsy I think of the Wizard's sleeve..its very off-putting.

Didn't this proud Welshman play for England?

English schoolboys...because he went to an English school and obviously couldn't play for Welsh schools!!

Giggs is black, Welsh and proud...just like a ton of other black, Welsh and proud people who appeared on a BBC Wales programme the other night. It was really refreshing to see a load of talented people who were proud of their Black heritage as well as their Welsh heritage.

Anyone else enjoy it?

Why should skin colour be a source of pride, would it be ok to take pride in being white?

Didn't this proud Welshman play for England?

English schoolboys...because he went to an English school and obviously couldn't play for Welsh schools!!

Giggs is black, Welsh and proud...just like a ton of other black, Welsh and proud people who appeared on a BBC Wales programme the other night. It was really refreshing to see a load of talented people who were proud of their Black heritage as well as their Welsh heritage.

Anyone else enjoy it?

Why should skin colour be a source of pride, would it be ok to take pride in being white?

I think the point is, and you probably already know this , is that through the 60s, 70s, 80s black people did try to hide their colour and not celebrate their heritage in fear of provoking a racist backlash. In those days Giggs would probably have felt he should keep his black heritage quiet.

Those of us who grew up in those decades know that is true, even is Cardiff which has a pretty good record on racial integration.

I frequently take pride in being Welsh when dealing with English colleagues but not sure why you thinking taking pride in being white is necessary when we've never been treated as second class citizen's as a result of our colour.

It’s not so much about your colour as what part of the country you live in.
My ex was of Jamaican heiritage with a black father and white mother , brought up in Nottingham she can never recall anything racist happening to her like Giggs in Cardiff.
We once went to Mansfield tho which had a big NF following and I got spat at for being with someone non white....that was the only time we had any problems anywhere .
Racism still exists but is now more subtle.
And you can be Welsh whatever your colour...ask the black guys I played rugby with in Cardiff...Welsh and proud of it

Didn't this proud Welshman play for England?

English schoolboys...because he went to an English school and obviously couldn't play for Welsh schools!!

Giggs is black, Welsh and proud...just like a ton of other black, Welsh and proud people who appeared on a BBC Wales programme the other night. It was really refreshing to see a load of talented people who were proud of their Black heritage as well as their Welsh heritage.

Anyone else enjoy it?

Why should skin colour be a source of pride, would it be ok to take pride in being white?

I don't need to feel proud to be white as I live in a predominantly white country and I've never been a victim of racism.

I've lived in Cardiff nearly all my life, I have black / white / chinese and japanese mates. In all that time and time spent watching the city I have never once heard or seen any racist comment or witnessed anyone being racist.

Cardiff has one of the oldest black and chinese communities in the UK going back hundreds of years I think. Maybe that is why Giggs felt the same way ?.

Ive lived away from Cardiff - and Ive have certainly seen racism in London and Australia and twice had it directed at me (Im white). I think where there are issues is with certain cultures , Muslim / Sikh , Arab / Jew. Certainly within India and the 'cast' system there are issues.

The program the other night with black / welsh families etc was a great watch.

Racism still exists but is now more subtle.

A good statement.A bit like those foxkillers that call themselves the countryside alliance.

Didn't this proud Welshman play for England?

English schoolboys...because he went to an English school and obviously couldn't play for Welsh schools!!

Giggs is black, Welsh and proud...just like a ton of other black, Welsh and proud people who appeared on a BBC Wales programme the other night. It was really refreshing to see a load of talented people who were proud of their Black heritage as well as their Welsh heritage.

Anyone else enjoy it?

Why should skin colour be a source of pride, would it be ok to take pride in being white?

I don't need to feel proud to be white as I live in a predominantly white country and I've never been a victim of racism.

So being a victim should inspire pride?

Racism still exists but is now more subtle.

A good statement.A bit like those foxkillers that call themselves the countryside alliance.

I’m massively pro fox hunting because I do like women in jodhpurs.

Didn't this proud Welshman play for England?

English schoolboys...because he went to an English school and obviously couldn't play for Welsh schools!!

Giggs is black, Welsh and proud...just like a ton of other black, Welsh and proud people who appeared on a BBC Wales programme the other night. It was really refreshing to see a load of talented people who were proud of their Black heritage as well as their Welsh heritage.

Anyone else enjoy it?

Why should skin colour be a source of pride, would it be ok to take pride in being white?

I think the point is, and you probably already know this , is that through the 60s, 70s, 80s black people did try to hide their colour and not celebrate their heritage in fear of provoking a racist backlash. In those days Giggs would probably have felt he should keep his black heritage quiet.

Those of us who grew up in those decades know that is true, even is Cardiff which has a pretty good record on racial integration.

I frequently take pride in being Welsh when dealing with English colleagues but not sure why you thinking taking pride in being white is necessary when we've never been treated as second class citizen's as a result of our colour.

Look idiot I think you will find all the white miners and all working class were treated as second class !!!!!!!!!!!!

when the kids were killed at aberfan and families ignored was it racism or classism ???????????

Cardiff’s cultural history is something the city and its citizens should be very proud of. It’s quite unique.
I didn’t realise Giggs old man was such a good rugby league player, the docks appears to have been quite a hotbed for rugby league players over the years, something else I didn’t know.

Didn't this proud Welshman play for England?

English schoolboys...because he went to an English school and obviously couldn't play for Welsh schools!!

Giggs is black, Welsh and proud...just like a ton of other black, Welsh and proud people who appeared on a BBC Wales programme the other night. It was really refreshing to see a load of talented people who were proud of their Black heritage as well as their Welsh heritage.

Anyone else enjoy it?

Why should skin colour be a source of pride, would it be ok to take pride in being white?

I think the point is, and you probably already know this , is that through the 60s, 70s, 80s black people did try to hide their colour and not celebrate their heritage in fear of provoking a racist backlash. In those days Giggs would probably have felt he should keep his black heritage quiet.

Those of us who grew up in those decades know that is true, even is Cardiff which has a pretty good record on racial integration.

I frequently take pride in being Welsh when dealing with English colleagues but not sure why you thinking taking pride in being white is necessary when we've never been treated as second class citizen's as a result of our colour.

Look idiot I think you will find all the white miners and all working class were treated as second class !!!!!!!!!!!!

when the kids were killed at aberfan and families ignored was it racism or classism ???????????

I'll ignore the insult because you're clearly a saddo key board warrior You may disagree with my point of view but I ain't no idiot.

Miners were treated differently, my family suffered as a result.

However, they weren't treated differently because of the colour of their skin, it was their social standing in a class system that needed changing (and did change).

There were signs displayed in the 60s and 70s for rental properties "No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs". Basically telling everyone all blacks and Irish would be persecuted because of their heritage not their character, job, etc. If you think that's acceptable fine, I don't.

Didn't this proud Welshman play for England?

English schoolboys...because he went to an English school and obviously couldn't play for Welsh schools!!

Giggs is black, Welsh and proud...just like a ton of other black, Welsh and proud people who appeared on a BBC Wales programme the other night. It was really refreshing to see a load of talented people who were proud of their Black heritage as well as their Welsh heritage.

Anyone else enjoy it?

Why should skin colour be a source of pride, would it be ok to take pride in being white?

I think the point is, and you probably already know this , is that through the 60s, 70s, 80s black people did try to hide their colour and not celebrate their heritage in fear of provoking a racist backlash. In those days Giggs would probably have felt he should keep his black heritage quiet.

Those of us who grew up in those decades know that is true, even is Cardiff which has a pretty good record on racial integration.

I frequently take pride in being Welsh when dealing with English colleagues but not sure why you thinking taking pride in being white is necessary when we've never been treated as second class citizen's as a result of our colour.

Look idiot I think you will find all the white miners and all working class were treated as second class !!!!!!!!!!!!

when the kids were killed at aberfan and families ignored was it racism or classism ???????????

I'll ignore the insult because you're clearly a saddo key board warrior You may disagree with my point of view but I ain't no idiot.

Miners were treated differently, my family suffered as a result.

However, they weren't treated differently because of the colour of their skin, it was their social standing in a class system that needed changing (and did change).

There were signs displayed in the 60s and 70s for rental properties "No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs". Basically telling everyone all blacks and Irish would be persecuted because of their heritage not their character, job, etc. If you think that's acceptable fine, I don't.

The class system hasn't changed that much, your social class is the biggest determiner of where you'll end up, working class white boys are bottom of the pile academically. It's much more important than your race in regards to life outcomes.

Didn't this proud Welshman play for England?

English schoolboys...because he went to an English school and obviously couldn't play for Welsh schools!!

Giggs is black, Welsh and proud...just like a ton of other black, Welsh and proud people who appeared on a BBC Wales programme the other night. It was really refreshing to see a load of talented people who were proud of their Black heritage as well as their Welsh heritage.

Anyone else enjoy it?

Why should skin colour be a source of pride, would it be ok to take pride in being white?

I don't need to feel proud to be white as I live in a predominantly white country and I've never been a victim of racism.

So being a victim should inspire pride?

Not pride in being an actual victim...duh. That would be stupid! Of course where you come from and your heritage can be a source of pride! It doesn't have to be but it certainly can be.

Cardiff’s cultural history is something the city and its citizens should be very proud of. It’s quite unique.
I didn’t realise Giggs old man was such a good rugby league player, the docks appears to have been quite a hotbed for rugby league players over the years, something else I didn’t know.

yes who gives a shit

Didn't this proud Welshman play for England?

English schoolboys...because he went to an English school and obviously couldn't play for Welsh schools!!

Giggs is black, Welsh and proud...just like a ton of other black, Welsh and proud people who appeared on a BBC Wales programme the other night. It was really refreshing to see a load of talented people who were proud of their Black heritage as well as their Welsh heritage.

Anyone else enjoy it?

Why should skin colour be a source of pride, would it be ok to take pride in being white?

I don't need to feel proud to be white as I live in a predominantly white country and I've never been a victim of racism.

So being a victim should inspire pride?

Not pride in being an actual victim...duh. That would be stupid! Of course where you come from and your heritage can be a source of pride! It doesn't have to be but it certainly can be.

by definition bias by conscious

Didn't this proud Welshman play for England?

English schoolboys...because he went to an English school and obviously couldn't play for Welsh schools!!

Giggs is black, Welsh and proud...just like a ton of other black, Welsh and proud people who appeared on a BBC Wales programme the other night. It was really refreshing to see a load of talented people who were proud of their Black heritage as well as their Welsh heritage.

Anyone else enjoy it?

Why should skin colour be a source of pride, would it be ok to take pride in being white?

I think the point is, and you probably already know this , is that through the 60s, 70s, 80s black people did try to hide their colour and not celebrate their heritage in fear of provoking a racist backlash. In those days Giggs would probably have felt he should keep his black heritage quiet.

Those of us who grew up in those decades know that is true, even is Cardiff which has a pretty good record on racial integration.

I frequently take pride in being Welsh when dealing with English colleagues but not sure why you thinking taking pride in being white is necessary when we've never been treated as second class citizen's as a result of our colour.

Look idiot I think you will find all the white miners and all working class were treated as second class !!!!!!!!!!!!

when the kids were killed at aberfan and families ignored was it racism or classism ???????????

I'll ignore the insult because you're clearly a saddo key board warrior You may disagree with my point of view but I ain't no idiot.

Miners were treated differently, my family suffered as a result.

However, they weren't treated differently because of the colour of their skin, it was their social standing in a class system that needed changing (and did change).

There were signs displayed in the 60s and 70s for rental properties "No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs". Basically telling everyone all blacks and Irish would be persecuted because of their heritage not their character, job, etc. If you think that's acceptable fine, I don't.

The class system hasn't changed that much, your social class is the biggest determiner of where you'll end up, working class white boys are bottom of the pile academically. It's much more important than your race in regards to life outcomes.

Absolutely agree with you apart from one point. Black working class boys are by far the bottom of the pile academically............. fact.

Absolutely agree with you apart from one point. Black working class boys are by far the bottom of the pile academically............. fact.

Not that it matters (working-class people are being let down regardless of race and that is a criminal, tragic and consistent failing of both labour and tory governments) but it is undeniable that white working-class boys in terms of education have consistently been let down more than any other demographic - and this really isn't new or hidden information, its been a problem that has been discussed for a long time.


https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why ... hite-boys-

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/1 ... rch-shows/

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfr ... king-class

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/poor ... -ddjb6j2p6

https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2 ... -ClassBoys

https://www.spiked-online.com/2020/01/2 ... lass-boys/

https://www.ambition.org.uk/blog/britai ... lass-boys/

https://impetus.org.uk/assets/publicati ... e_2014.pdf

https://fullfact.org/education/are-whit ... niversity/



Stats Ben Bradley (Conservative MP Mansfield) raised in parliament in Feb early this year (link is in the above.)

On average boys consistently underperform against girls, and white boys from disadvantaged backgrounds underperform against boys of all other races and ethnicities.

By age five, white boys from disadvantaged backgrounds are already 13% behind disadvantaged black boys and 23% behind disadvantaged Asian girls in their phonics, for example; only around a third of white working-class boys pass their maths and English GCSEs; disadvantaged white working-class boys are 40% less likely to go into higher education than disadvantaged black boys; and in fact, according to UCAS, only 9% of these boys will go to university, compared with around half of the general population.

The failure of white working-class boys is a direct result of identity politics. Some much for white privilege I guess.