Can we find the tipping point when protest becomes riot?
When some people have a serious grievance like an alleged (don’t foreget that ”alleged”) wrongful fatal shooting, they rise up in their just wrath and – trash the place. A hideous non sequitur to you and me, a “protest” to many in places where we don’t live. 30 years ago I covered the Brixton riots which were sparked – not caused - by a minor misunderstanding and false rumours. When I and my crew were packing up in a side street after a very hot day in 1981, along came a bunch of alarming looking whites, dressed in punk S&M. I was sure we were for it. Then one of them, naked below his leather studded waistcoat, pulled it back and spoke into it … Agents provocateurs or what?
Much has changed, not least police riot techniques. “ Institutional racism” has been analysed and much reduced. But how much has really changed on both sides? Ploddy cops and doublespeaking “community leaders.” Crime is crime versus the police were at fault. Sus and Broadwater Farm in 1985, stop and search and Broadwater Farm in 2011. But this time, no police officer killed – yet. “Doubts emerge” over the police version of the shooting of Mark Doggan on Thursday evening. Winston Silcott had his conviction quashed for the murder of PC Blakelock in 1985 but not for another murder. It’s all a grim reminder of how thin is the veneer of civilisation. What is the tipping point when aimless or angry youth throws off restraints? Local lessons apply. But what ones exactly?
Its not an Uprising of the Unemployed.
Its an Uprising of the Completely Unemployable.
We are told that their EMA has been withdrawn but they dont strike me as people who went to school that often.
A good “dissertation” subject for student social workers and/or teachers.
Cailleachdhearg,
You made the same mistake in spelling your name as Lamhdhearg. Cailleach is a feminine word so the dearg that follows should be aspirated.
“Its an Uprising of the Completely Unemployable.” Fitzjameshorse.
Is it indeed How do you deduce this?
Well Mr Carr you will have to allow for a little poetic licence.
It is NOT a Rising of the Unemployed……..I dont think “cuts” are an issue,,,,,,and certainly not THE issue.
But I have a certain amount of sympathy for the view that their (illegal) displays of Greed are no worse than (legal) displays of Greed in the “City” around Spitalfields.
Unfortunately Society finds City Greed of Bankers etc…..socially acceptable and even worthy and aspirational.
But I think its fair to say that the looters show few of the portfolio of skills which would get them thru a job interview.
.
Unless of course you actually want to employ a couple of them.
fjh is right. If you can’t find work in London you are unemployable. Looting is not an expression of need its a blatant expression of greed and hatred.
“If you can’t find work in London you are unemployable.” – Ptppakin
From Haringey Independent:
UNEMPLOYMENT in Haringey has risen by more than a quarter over a four-month period.
Latest unemployment figures for July 2009 shows there are now 9,451 out of work residents which is a 26 per cent increase since figures published in March.
The borough is one of four north London boroughs which has an unemployment rate of more than six per cent when measuring those claiming Jobseekers Allowance.
And it is Tottenham that has been hit hardest where there are now 15 job seekers for any one advertised vacancy.
Keith Flett, president of Haringey Trades Union Council, said: “We need Government subsidies to employers to stop further job losses and we need a commitment that cuts in public services does not lead to a further rise in unemployment in the area particularly since the Thatcher Government destroyed industry in north east London, the public sector is now the major employer.”
The shock new figures come as national levels of unemployment is tipped to rise to its highest peak since the second world war.
Like everywhere else it has been getting worse since.
Anyway, Oim orf to Zummerzet far zum zider…
Rory Carr: And it is Tottenham that has been hit hardest where there are now 15 job seekers for any one advertised vacancy.
Blimey – How many job seekers are there in Tottenham and how many vacancies are there in London? (I have a 1 hour commute, by the way)