Politic's Approach to the London Riots

"This is not about poverty, it’s about culture. A culture that glorifies violence, shows disrespect to authority, and says everything about rights but nothing about responsibilities."

     I couldn't agree with the above statement and the ideas it holds more, but seeing as it's coming from a politician who's government is under immense pressure right now, I know it's only meant to pacify an irate and understandably damn worried population. In his recap of the events, Cameron says that a lack of morality in today's youth and their inability to decipher the difference between right and wrong is the root cause of the recent acts of violence, but can the reason for all of this upheaval really be so uncomplicated as to be put down to a generation of inadequate parenting/cultural guidance? 

     

     Admittedly, I really need to look more into this issue myself before I'll be able to clearly state my opinion on the subject, but I still don't see how this can be all there is to the issue, and that's probably because it most certainly isn't. We need to learn more about the people who are rioting, what their lives are like, and (most importantly) what reasons they give for looting and conducting arson. I haven't yet come across an article that really delves into this, and though I haven't yet conducted an exhaustive search by any means, it's clear that the media is focusing on the acts of rebellion themselves rather than the motives behind them. In each article I've perused (mainly through the UK & US Huffington pages), they cite personal stories of those bereaved and focus on glorifying the law-abiding citizens that haven't participated in the violent displays while writing off those that have as 'misguided youths' connected to 'street gangs,' even going so far as to characterize them all as "thugs."

     

     Again, I in no way condone any of the horrendous transgressions these offenders of property, people, and the law have committed, but only want to explore the issue further in the hopes of maybe getting a better idea of the 'why?' factor in all of this. It's obvious what the media wants us to think, but is it possible that deeper motives exist behind the looters' and arsonists' uprisings that the press & politicians are ignoring, don't want to see, or know of and don't wish to share? Who knows at this point, but clearly the issue is a complex one that can't just be attributed to one social factor or another, but to at least several or -- even more likely -- many.

     

     I'll keep digging, but until then: 

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” ~ Buddha

      Until next time,

     Torey

Note on the Riots in London

London Riots 2011: 'Worst Violence In Memory'

     The times aren't nearly as 'civilized' as everyone would like to suppose; people are angry in one of the world's leading countries and they're showing it through fire and violence. 
     
     And so I entreat you to please do your part and be conscious of what's happening! Those of us so far away from all the trouble can only wish the very best outcome for the people of London as well as all other affected communities, but I encourage you to nevertheless show your support for those currently suffering and take these horrific events as another powerful reminder that violence is still never the answer.
     

     In relation to all this, I believe the following maxims still hold true:

“ There is a great streak of violence in every human being. If it is not channeled and understood, it will break out in war or in madness."  

~ Sam Peckinpah

“We challenge the culture of violence when we ourselves act in the certainty that violence is no longer acceptable, that it's tired and outdated no matter how many cling to it in the stubborn belief that it still works and that it's still valid."  

~ Gerard Vanderhaar

Thank you, and keep sending all your good thoughts and best wishes to the citizens and police forces of London, as well as to all others who have been touched or affected by the violence.

Yours,

Torey