I've always loved this song! Sorry, I know that's not what this post is about. I've related to riots in the past, having lived in both Apartheid South Africa and Thatcherite Britain, but I am struggling to make any sense of these riots. Maybe it'll all make sense with a bit of hindsight.
These riots seem the result of the same old situations: the underprivileged, constantly without hope, constantly being told they're worthless, seeing a chance to kick back at Big Brother, feel the thrill of anarchy... and maybe loot some nice, new Plasma tellies into the bargain. In some ways I can understand where they're coming from, but just feel sorry for the poor sods who feel trapped in their own homes while all this goes on, then have to clean up afterwards...
Definitely. But, as ever, the government's and media's knee-jerk reactions ( "call in the army" "ban hoodies" )totally miss the point. Unless we take a long, hard look at the underlying problems in society, things won't change...
I've always loved this song! Sorry, I know that's not what this post is about. I've related to riots in the past, having lived in both Apartheid South Africa and Thatcherite Britain, but I am struggling to make any sense of these riots. Maybe it'll all make sense with a bit of hindsight.
ReplyDeleteHi, Emm! Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteThese riots seem the result of the same old situations: the underprivileged, constantly without hope, constantly being told they're worthless, seeing a chance to kick back at Big Brother, feel the thrill of anarchy... and maybe loot some nice, new Plasma tellies into the bargain. In some ways I can understand where they're coming from, but just feel sorry for the poor sods who feel trapped in their own homes while all this goes on, then have to clean up afterwards...
Fuck the government and all that, but it is a bit scary.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. But, as ever, the government's and media's knee-jerk reactions ( "call in the army" "ban hoodies" )totally miss the point. Unless we take a long, hard look at the underlying problems in society, things won't change...
ReplyDelete