Suddenly Cameron does not want to hug a hoodie...

[nairiporter]

Even if it continues keeping its eyes shut to the realities, the British society will still be facing the same problem that has been there for a long time. It is not present in Britain only, in fact I am seeing it in my country as well, and often in a more extreme form. But they should consider this seriously instead of yelling at each other or demanding an even heavier police state and the formation of vigilante squads to respond to violence with their own amount of violence. I am talking about the collapse of upbringing and education in modern society. It is not and should not be only about learning things that would be useful for making a career and being a useful individual at work. Upbringing and education is much more.

There is a lack of understanding and readiness for taking an individual and collective responsibility in many modern societies. Britain suddenly realises that it is scared of the teenagers - how come? They must have missed a big moment - parents were absent where they were most needed, teachers and social institutions as well. A whole segment of society is virtually non-existent, non-participating, cut out from the rest of society. Did they expect that this wouldn't backlash at some point? This is probably not the last riot.

Instead of addressing these issues, both authorities and societies equally are looking for excuses and petty explanations for one or another aspect of social behaviour. If teenagers behave unacceptably, it must mean they are "hyperactive". If they are unable to learn things fast, they must be suffering dyslexia, or ADHD. If they turn into young criminals, in the extremest of cases they are diagnosed with the asocial behaviour syndrome. For years teenage gangs with hoods have been circling around street corners, even at the time when David Cameron was still in opposition and used to sing a completely different tune - "Hug the hoodies!" And now suddenly he doesn't know what to do.

(Response to this post).

Comments

[luvdovz.livejournal.com]

The big mistake of both the authorities and the commentators and analysts is that they're confusing the fundamental problem with the current efforts to curb its results. Complete inadequacy.

[abomvubuso.livejournal.com]

I was watching the footage post-riots, and seeing some of my familiar places now turned nearly to ashes made me cringe. Damn.