DEAR DEIDRE: MY mixed-race husband loathes my brother because he won’t keep his racist opinions to himself.
The biggest problem is we all live together and we can’t afford to move out.
My brother is never directly racist to my husband but sounds off about other black, brown or mixed people with his narrow-minded prejudices.
I’m 34 and my husband’s 36. We live in a house with my older brother and parents. It’s such a shame because mum and dad are great.
The problem is causing a real divide in the house.
My poor husband finds it hard to express his feelings so he bottles it up then erupts in private with me.
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My husband has experienced racist behaviour throughout his life.
I really don’t want to lose my marriage, I don’t know where to turn.
DEIDRE SAYS: Your husband has spent a lifetime dealing with racist behaviour. No wonder he feels angry.
It’s simply not acceptable that your brother sounds off in this way, and it’s time for you and your family to stand up to him.
Talk to your parents and explain it is important that you as a group tell your brother his comments must stop.
My support pack Standing Up For Yourself will help.
Please have a look at mind.org.uk, where there is a section on racism which includes therapist contacts who work with people from minorities.
