With the news and the attention of many British people focused on the riots across many the countries major cities, London, Birmingham and Manchester in particular, it seems perhaps a little unnecessary for me to blog when most people share similar thoughts of how despicable these acts of public disorder (an understatement to say the least). However, arguably what worth would my blog be without mentioning such a relatively major event; as my somewhat ironic mp3 player (do electronic devices hold personas?) reminded me when the songs "The Angry Mob" and "I Predict Riot" by Kaiser Chiefs came up on shuffle. However, should we have predicted these riots?
(I'll give you space to groan at the tenuous pun)
As immoral as we (the majority of society) can describe these acts, once the heat, quite literally, dies down, we need to ask why a a small percentage minority from a general sub-section of society, feel they can commit these criminal acts, to their/other communities without any moral conscience. Or even why they don't care that they are doing wrong. These aren't questions that are easy to answer, as each individual case is different to certain degree, and I won't attempt to answer/condemn these issues. That would be a a sociological/human geography essay in itself and I will wait to after my holidays to do another essay thank you very much! However, although not condoning these acts, it is a shame that it is only with these events that any attention is given to urban deprivation and the feeling that "no one cares" for urban poverty may have helped given some fuel to those involved.
However I must state, I think these issues were unlikely to be the forefront of the rioters' mind. Often it seems for many the excuses came later. Issues such as hatred of police, socially or racially (although I really do not see the riots an issue of race, or even any political motivation) may have contributed. But a 'pack' and 'copycat' mentality arose, tagging along some people to a commit crime, violence or theft, who would not normally consider it, with those who may be more used to such acts finally feeling a 'freedom' do it. Comments such as "treat us like scum and we'll act like it" or excuses like "VAT rises and cuts in public services" seem more like after thoughts and scapegoats, besides the fact it doesn't excuse these acts, especially when have often hurt people in the same boat, 'the local community', rather than the authorities. This in turn shows the selfishness of the rioters when many have similar issues but don't act in a similar manner; rather they are the ones that get hurt the most. There was no political, social, racial banner or cause to fight for; this was just mindless violence, greed and hurt.
These issues are more deep seated, often from a lack of guidance, imposing of right and wrong in often broken homes. But it isn't just this, broken homes and lack of guidance aren't unique to poverty stricken groups, but a lack of opportunity and the ease to slip into undesirable groups is more relevant to this part of society. These are issues to understand and address, not to hit hard on gangs as the government suggests, although tacking gang culture is right, this sort of language won't help, however neither will a 'softly-softly' approach. Ultimately it isn't a new problem (with no easy answer), it is one present since urban growth from industrialisation, although the intensity and awareness perhaps is, not helped by a growing neoliberal capitalist system that has reinforced the gap between rich and poor. Indeed this growth of a consumer culture has arguably created a feel of envy, greed and 'being owed by society' (often for nothing), these emotions and a feel of hopeless more a fuel to the riots. Additionally, some things cannot be helped, every level of society there are 'bad apples' who tend to er towards 'bad' than 'good'; Piers Morgan, Rupert Murdoch, all characters in Noddy (come get me). Equally even the best people will have 'bad' moments.
I want to finish on a good note however. I was so moved by Tariq Jehan, the father of Haroon, one of the victims killed by a car trying to protect their community. Instead of being ,understandably, vengeful and full of anger, he was strong, brave and calm, with his attention rather went towards maintaining peace, calm and unity in his community in Birmingham. I don't think I, or many others could manage to contain their upset and anger. This culminated in a peace rally in the area. This isn't the only act of community spirit; in London, Birmingham, Manchester, communities have rallied to condemn, unite and attempt to rebuild their community. I mentioned before a 'pack' mentality, I feel the majority of country has shown itself as a 'pack' united against these mindless acts of destruction of often their own community. While a minority of our country has shown itself in a 'bad' light; we should be proud that the majority of country, and some communities in particular, have shown so many 'good' qualities.
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R.I.P. to those victims of the riots and Best Wishes to those affected by the riots
