The only thing to do is to take an immediate ‘right wing’ stance which will act as a deterrent, followed by a long term ‘left wing’ addressing of the issues that are causing the rotting of society.
Of course, there are major issues with society that need to be addressed, but let’s get this straight: the rioting was simply an opportunistic crime spree, organised mainly through social media networks, to take advantage of the overstretched police forces. Looting, vandalism and assaults turned parts of the nation into no go areas where feral youth did as they pleased without consequences. There was no political agenda, no 'voice' trying to be heard. It was not related to public sector job losses or cuts in funding. It was not caused because a man was shot by police, or because David Cameron was on holiday... It was simply because these people are unreasonable, selfish, heartless scum who don’t care about the wellbeing of others. As a realist who deals with members of the general public often behaving at their worst when intoxicated, I don't find it that surprising. I know the general public is popularised by more dangerous and callous individuals than some of you might possibly imagine. The general accepted truth is that a male was stopped and searched at or near a peaceful protest. To prove that the police were in the wrong, nearby people who may or may not have been known to the individual, started rioting. Well… you’ve certainly proved a point there. Well done. Your actions will go a long way to improving police relations in the future… idiots.
The comfortable surroundings some of you live in mean that you can’t fathom that people could behave in such a despicable manner without there being genuine justification… you’re wrong. Some people are animals.
Take that as patronisingly out of touch, take that as deluded, but I’m putting this out there: My profession, background, personality and political curiosity mean that I feel I have the knowledge to talk at an informed level on the subject of social disorder. I genuinely feel I’m more in touch with a broader spectrum of society than most people are. I know, get on with and understand the actions of more people from more walks of life than most people. To put it bluntly, I can be a bit of a ****, and therefore I understand the actions of other ****s.
Anyway, back to the point:
If it ever kicks off like that again, you have to understand that frankly you cannot reason with large groups of bad people in a short space of time unless you have some charismatic leader that everybody looked up to and obeyed... These people are one in a million and we don’t have one at the moment. Yes, eventually, you have to win them over with words and placating actions, gradually getting them to understand and empathise like the rest of us… but that takes time. It’s taken me nearly 3 decades to get to my mindset – I’m not perfect by any means, but most of my actions are justifiable. The idea that a few choice words to the masses could change a situation like this is unrealistic. Short term, rioters have to be taught a lesson the hard way: Hurt them. The fear of physical pain or at least physical discomfort is the main reason order is maintained within large sections of society, and that’s been the case all over the world forever. Pouring reasoning and trying to explain causes for rioting (which has often sounded worryingly like a diluted form of justification from some people) does not help when it’s kicking off… immediate action is required, hence my frustrations vented at ‘lefties’ who just wanted to let the aggression burn in it’s own time. Reasoning only works with reasonable people. These people were not.
In short, if you understand that an action somebody is committing is wrong, make them stop it by using reasonable force. In some cases, words are enough, but in this case, reasonable force was rubber bullets and batons. Case closed.
So what now?
Immediately, it is important that the individuals charged with offences are made examples of. An e-petition is calling for the ceasing of benefits to anyone charged with an offence, and apparently Salford council are threatening to evict anybody from their council houses who was participating in rioting. Personally, I think that is the most beautiful, fair, justice I’ve heard of in a long time. Eviction will not drive these people to a definite life of crime like some people are commenting. You can get a job without a fixed address and the people they are forced to lean on will hopefully give them tough love and direct motivation to sort their heads/lives out.
And then we can start to care about the deeper issues that are affecting society. A good start would be to address 2 key factors:
1) Distancing between the people and the politicians.
2) Growing lack of respect in society.
...but I'll leave that to the professionals...
No comments:
Post a Comment