The Great British riots

[McFaul 35]

First of all clarity on the Black/white demographic...

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_groups_in_London

 

By the census of '01 or the estimate of '07 London is roughly 70% White and 11% black

 

 

But you need to consider the average age of a looter. There's gonna be a lot more white 60 year olds in the leafy prosperous areas than there are black grandparents in Peckham.

 

In secondary schools in Brent, north-west London, which is one of the capital's most multi-cultural boroughs, only seven per cent of pupils were of white British origin last year, figures show. A further 36 per cent were classed as Asian and 24 per cent were black.

 

Across inner and outer London, black and Asian pupils outnumber white British children by about six to four.

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/156...minorities.html

So?

[Happy Face 29]

First of all clarity on the Black/white demographic...

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_groups_in_London

 

By the census of '01 or the estimate of '07 London is roughly 70% White and 11% black

 

 

But you need to consider the average age of a looter. There's gonna be a lot more white 60 year olds in the leafy prosperous areas than there are black grandparents in Peckham.

 

In secondary schools in Brent, north-west London, which is one of the capital's most multi-cultural boroughs, only seven per cent of pupils were of white British origin last year, figures show. A further 36 per cent were classed as Asian and 24 per cent were black.

 

Across inner and outer London, black and Asian pupils outnumber white British children by about six to four.

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/156...minorities.html

So?

 

So if 7% of pupils in an area are white, and over 3 times as many are black....a random sample will have a vast majority being black.

 

That's only Brent where it's so diverse....but White pupils are in the minority across inner and outer London.

[manc-mag 1]

[Ketsbaia 0]

 

Choon

[LoveTheBobby 1]

It's about time that right-minded individuals took the streets back from these low-life scum. Stand up and be counted. Organise a call for blokes 30 - 60 and surely enough would come to the fore to stand up to these hoodlums. These twats are frightened of one thing only - physical violence. It's about time we gave it to them.

 

Not see the kids going about in Enfield last night ?

 

More EDL than anything else, but the right idea nontheless

 

Sikhs were ready to roll too

 

Pissed up EDL vigilantes added to the mix? Should sort everything out.

 

I can see y now with your breathalyser and brush in the air

[JawD 31]

It can't come as any surprise that the store they're looting are Currys, Jessops, JD Sports etc. We live in a nation that is wrapped up in consumerism. You can't turn anywhere without being battered by aspirational messages - buy this, shop there, wear that etc. No matter how misplaced the anger and pointless the looting knicking a pair of Nike Airs is their political statement. Listen to them when they're interviewed - hardly the most eloquent people in the world but when they're not talking about "fuckin' da feds, innit" there does seem to be a degree of understanding of both the political and social implications of what has happened and what's to come.

 

The number of people claiming benefits because they're out for an easy ride is pretty minimal, yet as this thread shows the scrounger stereotype pervades any discussion about those on the dole or disability. No wonder there's disenfranchisement amongst certain areas of society when they're constantly told that the 'career path' they're being forced down due to circumstances outside their control makes them second class citizens. It doesn't help that this message is being passed down by politicians who have stole more cash from the country than they have, the fans being flamed by the journalists who have wronged more people than they have and doors are being slammed shut in their faces thanks to the greediness of the bankers who are still being treated like the goose that laid the golden egg.

 

In school we remind kids that they're not quite good enough, so even if they do get out they're never going to have made it - don't get the grades and you're just another waster, get the grades and it's because the exams were easy. Go to university (if you can afford it) and unless you study a 'proper' subject you're derided for being a time waster. You're not meant to be learning, you're meant to be preparing yourself for the world of work. I mean who wants to learn in this day and age? Get out and start sweeping the streets. The only university you need to go to is the University of Life.

 

It may all seem pretty trivial, but piled one on top of another I can see why "da yoot" are fucked off.

 

And before anyone starts this isn't a justification, merely an attempt to understand why this has happened.

 

Good post. Though the one thing that doesnt sink with me. I was brought up in benwell from '72 until '79 when I moved to West Denton. It's fair to say I lived in a rough area. I done fuck all at school bar daydream. I fit your example perfectly. Encouraged by my Father to go out and work and that training schemes were slave labour. I got one O level (Actually a GCSE, the first year they were done) and that was in Art. I wanted to resit Maths as I just missed out. Went back to 6th form but left in Jan to get a job and earn money. Didnt go to uni.

 

Dont have a criminal record. Stolen from a shop once as a teen and got caught. Thank fuck I did tbh. Otherwise Im your typical bloke who stays on the right side of the law (bar speeding, but thats another discussion). I now run my own business through nowt but hard graft. I never felt like society owed me anything. Never felt hard done by even when I had my first flat and no carpets, no bed. I slept on a sofa that I was given and washed my clothes in the bath. This was when I was about 19 and in Newbiggin Hall. First job I earned £6500 a year. Never once did I think "fuck this, I deserve better so I'll steal it". Hard graft, head down. Everything I have I've earned. Was on the dole once for 2 weeks and hated it. So, all this talk of "theres no opportunities" and "I dont get paid to go to Uni" or whatever. I'm sure you can see why I think "Fuck You". Also maybe you can see why I do tend to label many on the dole as scroungers. Of course, there are those who try and fail. But there are many who dont.

 

To give a balanced argument though. Criminality is at all levels of society. It not just the poor. The whole things stinks of hypocrisy. The MP scoffs at the 16yr old petty thief while he files his dodgy expenses. Is it so different? But, while that is wrong, it doesnt make the former any more acceptable. You cant look at one and say its ok as the other does it.

 

I blame the parents

 

I actually do btw

[McFaul 35]

First of all clarity on the Black/white demographic...

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_groups_in_London

 

By the census of '01 or the estimate of '07 London is roughly 70% White and 11% black

 

 

But you need to consider the average age of a looter. There's gonna be a lot more white 60 year olds in the leafy prosperous areas than there are black grandparents in Peckham.

 

In secondary schools in Brent, north-west London, which is one of the capital's most multi-cultural boroughs, only seven per cent of pupils were of white British origin last year, figures show. A further 36 per cent were classed as Asian and 24 per cent were black.

 

Across inner and outer London, black and Asian pupils outnumber white British children by about six to four.

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/156...minorities.html

So?

 

So if 7% of pupils in an area are white, and over 3 times as many are black....a random sample will have a vast majority being black.

 

That's only Brent where it's so diverse....but White pupils are in the minority across inner and outer London.

There wasn't even a riot in Brent, and it has one of the biggest shopping centres in London. Score more own goals than Frank Sinclair yee like.

[Kevin S. Assilleekunt 1]

My mam's 58 year old. She's worked most of her life, paid her taxes and brought up 2 tax paying lads, and now she's disabled.

 

Is she black?

 

When writing that post I actually deleted the last line...which would have been...she's not black.

 

 

That sucks for your mam btw, stuff like that genuinely angers me. Screwing people over. And like you, I'm pissed off about the financial crisis and the response to it. I'm not in a position to do much about it though. I expect we're heading for a double-dip. Taking a step back though, I'm perfectly content and happy not to be living in North Korea. And there's plenty of pleaures to be had in England, even without money.

 

Sammy, that was a terrific post about the Jamaican crackhead. I agree with you on Howe, he appears senile. I saw a programme he did about inner-city racial tensions, and I had some respect for him because he went around trying to initiate dialogue with Asian youths who were threatening to batter him. Perhaps someone did batter him and left him without brain function. All he has talked about on the beeb is, "My GRANDSON!!! He is telling me that he has been stopped and searched!" A news anchor asked him what he would say to the shop keepers etc who have been victim, he said (words to the effect of), "I'd say, looky here, you'll get something back from the insurance, let's call it quits mate."

 

It amazes me that people have had such a reaction to Duggan being shot. If it had been someone else's death that had triggered this mayhem, I expect he'd be in on it. This is prejudiced I admit, but as I understand it the bloke was involved in crime, had illegal guns, and judging by the photos I've seen of him he aspired to be a gangster thug-type. It does not bother me in the way that, say, Meneze's death did. If the black communities think that such an incident is provocation worthy of organized riots, then they've got it all wrong and need to sort their values out. You don't wish anyone to be shot, but if you're running round with illegal guns and you catch a bullet, your luck's out mate.

Edited August 10, 2011 by Kevin S. Assilleekunt

[Christmas Tree 3997]

If you look at the scenes from London, majority of them are Black. If you look at Manchester the majority are white.

 

 

Is it not the blacks with a cunning disguise.

[McFaul 35]

If you look at the scenes from London, majority of them are Black. If you look at Manchester the majority are white.

There's not an accent in Britain which has been more influenced by ethnic minorities than Mancunian. Mancs didn't speak like they do now 50 years ago, it is entrenched in black culture, and it's not called Gunchester as a result for nothing, same as Nottingham which has very similar demographics.

[LoveTheBobby 1]

Does anyone know - these little street rats seen particularly in Mcr last night - they're a product of 'the cuts' and not of a couple of decades of Labour yeah ?

[Christmas Tree 3997]

This cross section of society thread bodes well for the MP's finding a solution tomorrow.

[Jay Jay Sea 0]

It can't come as any surprise that the store they're looting are Currys, Jessops, JD Sports etc. We live in a nation that is wrapped up in consumerism. You can't turn anywhere without being battered by aspirational messages - buy this, shop there, wear that etc. No matter how misplaced the anger and pointless the looting knicking a pair of Nike Airs is their political statement. Listen to them when they're interviewed - hardly the most eloquent people in the world but when they're not talking about "fuckin' da feds, innit" there does seem to be a degree of understanding of both the political and social implications of what has happened and what's to come.

 

The number of people claiming benefits because they're out for an easy ride is pretty minimal, yet as this thread shows the scrounger stereotype pervades any discussion about those on the dole or disability. No wonder there's disenfranchisement amongst certain areas of society when they're constantly told that the 'career path' they're being forced down due to circumstances outside their control makes them second class citizens. It doesn't help that this message is being passed down by politicians who have stole more cash from the country than they have, the fans being flamed by the journalists who have wronged more people than they have and doors are being slammed shut in their faces thanks to the greediness of the bankers who are still being treated like the goose that laid the golden egg.

 

In school we remind kids that they're not quite good enough, so even if they do get out they're never going to have made it - don't get the grades and you're just another waster, get the grades and it's because the exams were easy. Go to university (if you can afford it) and unless you study a 'proper' subject you're derided for being a time waster. You're not meant to be learning, you're meant to be preparing yourself for the world of work. I mean who wants to learn in this day and age? Get out and start sweeping the streets. The only university you need to go to is the University of Life.

 

It may all seem pretty trivial, but piled one on top of another I can see why "da yoot" are fucked off.

 

And before anyone starts this isn't a justification, merely an attempt to understand why this has happened.

 

That is a fantastic post.

[Happy Face 29]

First of all clarity on the Black/white demographic...

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_groups_in_London

 

By the census of '01 or the estimate of '07 London is roughly 70% White and 11% black

 

 

But you need to consider the average age of a looter. There's gonna be a lot more white 60 year olds in the leafy prosperous areas than there are black grandparents in Peckham.

 

In secondary schools in Brent, north-west London, which is one of the capital's most multi-cultural boroughs, only seven per cent of pupils were of white British origin last year, figures show. A further 36 per cent were classed as Asian and 24 per cent were black.

 

Across inner and outer London, black and Asian pupils outnumber white British children by about six to four.

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/156...minorities.html

So?

 

So if 7% of pupils in an area are white, and over 3 times as many are black....a random sample will have a vast majority being black.

 

That's only Brent where it's so diverse....but White pupils are in the minority across inner and outer London.

There wasn't even a riot in Brent, and it has one of the biggest shopping centres in London. Score more own goals than Frank Sinclair yee like.

 

I'm not talking about the riots yet, just generic London demographics that show White people are indeed in the majority by a factor of 7:1. No argument with you there.

 

But in state schools in London white people are in a minority to the tune of 2:5 ....and white students in some areas are outnumbered by black students to the tune of 1:3.

 

That's before introducing the factor of poverty....which is twice as high amongst the black african population as it is amongst the white.

Edited August 10, 2011 by Happy Face

[wykikitoon 16498]

It can't come as any surprise that the store they're looting are Currys, Jessops, JD Sports etc. We live in a nation that is wrapped up in consumerism. You can't turn anywhere without being battered by aspirational messages - buy this, shop there, wear that etc. No matter how misplaced the anger and pointless the looting knicking a pair of Nike Airs is their political statement. Listen to them when they're interviewed - hardly the most eloquent people in the world but when they're not talking about "fuckin' da feds, innit" there does seem to be a degree of understanding of both the political and social implications of what has happened and what's to come.

 

The number of people claiming benefits because they're out for an easy ride is pretty minimal, yet as this thread shows the scrounger stereotype pervades any discussion about those on the dole or disability. No wonder there's disenfranchisement amongst certain areas of society when they're constantly told that the 'career path' they're being forced down due to circumstances outside their control makes them second class citizens. It doesn't help that this message is being passed down by politicians who have stole more cash from the country than they have, the fans being flamed by the journalists who have wronged more people than they have and doors are being slammed shut in their faces thanks to the greediness of the bankers who are still being treated like the goose that laid the golden egg.

 

In school we remind kids that they're not quite good enough, so even if they do get out they're never going to have made it - don't get the grades and you're just another waster, get the grades and it's because the exams were easy. Go to university (if you can afford it) and unless you study a 'proper' subject you're derided for being a time waster. You're not meant to be learning, you're meant to be preparing yourself for the world of work. I mean who wants to learn in this day and age? Get out and start sweeping the streets. The only university you need to go to is the University of Life.

 

It may all seem pretty trivial, but piled one on top of another I can see why "da yoot" are fucked off.

 

And before anyone starts this isn't a justification, merely an attempt to understand why this has happened.

 

Good post. Though the one thing that doesnt sink with me. I was brought up in benwell from '72 until '79 when I moved to West Denton. It's fair to say I lived in a rough area. I done fuck all at school bar daydream. I fit your example perfectly. Encouraged by my Father to go out and work and that training schemes were slave labour. I got one O level (Actually a GCSE, the first year they were done) and that was in Art. I wanted to resit Maths as I just missed out. Went back to 6th form but left in Jan to get a job and earn money. Didnt go to uni.

 

Dont have a criminal record. Stolen from a shop once as a teen and got caught. Thank fuck I did tbh. Otherwise Im your typical bloke who stays on the right side of the law (bar speeding, but thats another discussion). I now run my own business through nowt but hard graft. I never felt like society owed me anything. Never felt hard done by even when I had my first flat and no carpets, no bed. I slept on a sofa that I was given and washed my clothes in the bath. This was when I was about 19 and in Newbiggin Hall. First job I earned £6500 a year. Never once did I think "fuck this, I deserve better so I'll steal it". Hard graft, head down. Everything I have I've earned. Was on the dole once for 2 weeks and hated it. So, all this talk of "theres no opportunities" and "I dont get paid to go to Uni" or whatever. I'm sure you can see why I think "Fuck You". Also maybe you can see why I do tend to label many on the dole as scroungers. Of course, there are those who try and fail. But there are many who dont.

 

To give a balanced argument though. Criminality is at all levels of society. It not just the poor. The whole things stinks of hypocrisy. The MP scoffs at the 16yr old petty thief while he files his dodgy expenses. Is it so different? But, while that is wrong, it doesnt make the former any more acceptable. You cant look at one and say its ok as the other does it.

 

I blame the parents

 

I actually do btw

 

This basically.

[Ketsbaia 0]

It can't come as any surprise that the store they're looting are Currys, Jessops, JD Sports etc. We live in a nation that is wrapped up in consumerism. You can't turn anywhere without being battered by aspirational messages - buy this, shop there, wear that etc. No matter how misplaced the anger and pointless the looting knicking a pair of Nike Airs is their political statement. Listen to them when they're interviewed - hardly the most eloquent people in the world but when they're not talking about "fuckin' da feds, innit" there does seem to be a degree of understanding of both the political and social implications of what has happened and what's to come.

 

The number of people claiming benefits because they're out for an easy ride is pretty minimal, yet as this thread shows the scrounger stereotype pervades any discussion about those on the dole or disability. No wonder there's disenfranchisement amongst certain areas of society when they're constantly told that the 'career path' they're being forced down due to circumstances outside their control makes them second class citizens. It doesn't help that this message is being passed down by politicians who have stole more cash from the country than they have, the fans being flamed by the journalists who have wronged more people than they have and doors are being slammed shut in their faces thanks to the greediness of the bankers who are still being treated like the goose that laid the golden egg.

 

In school we remind kids that they're not quite good enough, so even if they do get out they're never going to have made it - don't get the grades and you're just another waster, get the grades and it's because the exams were easy. Go to university (if you can afford it) and unless you study a 'proper' subject you're derided for being a time waster. You're not meant to be learning, you're meant to be preparing yourself for the world of work. I mean who wants to learn in this day and age? Get out and start sweeping the streets. The only university you need to go to is the University of Life.

 

It may all seem pretty trivial, but piled one on top of another I can see why "da yoot" are fucked off.

 

And before anyone starts this isn't a justification, merely an attempt to understand why this has happened.

 

Good post. Though the one thing that doesnt sink with me. I was brought up in benwell from '72 until '79 when I moved to West Denton. It's fair to say I lived in a rough area. I done fuck all at school bar daydream. I fit your example perfectly. Encouraged by my Father to go out and work and that training schemes were slave labour. I got one O level (Actually a GCSE, the first year they were done) and that was in Art. I wanted to resit Maths as I just missed out. Went back to 6th form but left in Jan to get a job and earn money. Didnt go to uni.

 

Dont have a criminal record. Stolen from a shop once as a teen and got caught. Thank fuck I did tbh. Otherwise Im your typical bloke who stays on the right side of the law (bar speeding, but thats another discussion). I now run my own business through nowt but hard graft. I never felt like society owed me anything. Never felt hard done by even when I had my first flat and no carpets, no bed. I slept on a sofa that I was given and washed my clothes in the bath. This was when I was about 19 and in Newbiggin Hall. First job I earned £6500 a year. Never once did I think "fuck this, I deserve better so I'll steal it". Hard graft, head down. Everything I have I've earned. Was on the dole once for 2 weeks and hated it. So, all this talk of "theres no opportunities" and "I dont get paid to go to Uni" or whatever. I'm sure you can see why I think "Fuck You". Also maybe you can see why I do tend to label many on the dole as scroungers. Of course, there are those who try and fail. But there are many who dont.

 

To give a balanced argument though. Criminality is at all levels of society. It not just the poor. The whole things stinks of hypocrisy. The MP scoffs at the 16yr old petty thief while he files his dodgy expenses. Is it so different? But, while that is wrong, it doesnt make the former any more acceptable. You cant look at one and say its ok as the other does it.

 

I blame the parents

 

I actually do btw

 

I think it shows the cataclysmic change in society and attitudes over the past 20/30 years. Your story isn't really an uncommon one for the time.

 

EDIT: I've no idea what's posted below but thank fuck I've got CT on ignore.

Edited August 10, 2011 by Ketsbaia

[Christmas Tree 3997]

It can't come as any surprise that the store they're looting are Currys, Jessops, JD Sports etc. We live in a nation that is wrapped up in consumerism. You can't turn anywhere without being battered by aspirational messages - buy this, shop there, wear that etc. No matter how misplaced the anger and pointless the looting knicking a pair of Nike Airs is their political statement. Listen to them when they're interviewed - hardly the most eloquent people in the world but when they're not talking about "fuckin' da feds, innit" there does seem to be a degree of understanding of both the political and social implications of what has happened and what's to come.

 

The number of people claiming benefits because they're out for an easy ride is pretty minimal, yet as this thread shows the scrounger stereotype pervades any discussion about those on the dole or disability. No wonder there's disenfranchisement amongst certain areas of society when they're constantly told that the 'career path' they're being forced down due to circumstances outside their control makes them second class citizens. It doesn't help that this message is being passed down by politicians who have stole more cash from the country than they have, the fans being flamed by the journalists who have wronged more people than they have and doors are being slammed shut in their faces thanks to the greediness of the bankers who are still being treated like the goose that laid the golden egg.

 

In school we remind kids that they're not quite good enough, so even if they do get out they're never going to have made it - don't get the grades and you're just another waster, get the grades and it's because the exams were easy. Go to university (if you can afford it) and unless you study a 'proper' subject you're derided for being a time waster. You're not meant to be learning, you're meant to be preparing yourself for the world of work. I mean who wants to learn in this day and age? Get out and start sweeping the streets. The only university you need to go to is the University of Life.

 

It may all seem pretty trivial, but piled one on top of another I can see why "da yoot" are fucked off.

 

And before anyone starts this isn't a justification, merely an attempt to understand why this has happened.

 

Good post. Though the one thing that doesnt sink with me. I was brought up in benwell from '72 until '79 when I moved to West Denton. It's fair to say I lived in a rough area. I done fuck all at school bar daydream. I fit your example perfectly. Encouraged by my Father to go out and work and that training schemes were slave labour. I got one O level (Actually a GCSE, the first year they were done) and that was in Art. I wanted to resit Maths as I just missed out. Went back to 6th form but left in Jan to get a job and earn money. Didnt go to uni.

 

Dont have a criminal record. Stolen from a shop once as a teen and got caught. Thank fuck I did tbh. Otherwise Im your typical bloke who stays on the right side of the law (bar speeding, but thats another discussion). I now run my own business through nowt but hard graft. I never felt like society owed me anything. Never felt hard done by even when I had my first flat and no carpets, no bed. I slept on a sofa that I was given and washed my clothes in the bath. This was when I was about 19 and in Newbiggin Hall. First job I earned £6500 a year. Never once did I think "fuck this, I deserve better so I'll steal it". Hard graft, head down. Everything I have I've earned. Was on the dole once for 2 weeks and hated it. So, all this talk of "theres no opportunities" and "I dont get paid to go to Uni" or whatever. I'm sure you can see why I think "Fuck You". Also maybe you can see why I do tend to label many on the dole as scroungers. Of course, there are those who try and fail. But there are many who dont.

 

To give a balanced argument though. Criminality is at all levels of society. It not just the poor. The whole things stinks of hypocrisy. The MP scoffs at the 16yr old petty thief while he files his dodgy expenses. Is it so different? But, while that is wrong, it doesnt make the former any more acceptable. You cant look at one and say its ok as the other does it.

 

I blame the parents

 

I actually do btw

 

This basically.

Plus 1

 

The first post is terrible and is why we will get nowhere with this issue.

 

Phil summed it up pretty well. A "you shot one of ours" protest march went criminal and 24/7 news showed similar feral rats how easy it is to nip down the high street, out number the police and nick some stuff.

 

These scum are the minority not the norm. Some are 31 year old teachers and other are 11 year old snots so lets not dress this up as some anti government rally ffs.

 

Getting vexed, time to turn off laptop.

[Happy Face 29]

These scum are the minority not the norm. Some are 31 year old teachers and other are 11 year old snots so lets not dress this up as some anti government rally ffs.

 

Thats what Ashley/Llambuias like to tell themselves about those in L7 corner.

[Guest alex]

EDIT: I've no idea what's posted below but thank fuck I've got CT on ignore.

[Ketsbaia 0]

EDIT: I've no idea what's posted below but thank fuck I've got CT on ignore.

It's great, just like the board used to be, with a badly formatted photo of Shane Ferguson staring back at me once or twice every page.

[Renton 17625]

It can't come as any surprise that the store they're looting are Currys, Jessops, JD Sports etc. We live in a nation that is wrapped up in consumerism. You can't turn anywhere without being battered by aspirational messages - buy this, shop there, wear that etc. No matter how misplaced the anger and pointless the looting knicking a pair of Nike Airs is their political statement. Listen to them when they're interviewed - hardly the most eloquent people in the world but when they're not talking about "fuckin' da feds, innit" there does seem to be a degree of understanding of both the political and social implications of what has happened and what's to come.

 

The number of people claiming benefits because they're out for an easy ride is pretty minimal, yet as this thread shows the scrounger stereotype pervades any discussion about those on the dole or disability. No wonder there's disenfranchisement amongst certain areas of society when they're constantly told that the 'career path' they're being forced down due to circumstances outside their control makes them second class citizens. It doesn't help that this message is being passed down by politicians who have stole more cash from the country than they have, the fans being flamed by the journalists who have wronged more people than they have and doors are being slammed shut in their faces thanks to the greediness of the bankers who are still being treated like the goose that laid the golden egg.

 

In school we remind kids that they're not quite good enough, so even if they do get out they're never going to have made it - don't get the grades and you're just another waster, get the grades and it's because the exams were easy. Go to university (if you can afford it) and unless you study a 'proper' subject you're derided for being a time waster. You're not meant to be learning, you're meant to be preparing yourself for the world of work. I mean who wants to learn in this day and age? Get out and start sweeping the streets. The only university you need to go to is the University of Life.

 

It may all seem pretty trivial, but piled one on top of another I can see why "da yoot" are fucked off.

 

And before anyone starts this isn't a justification, merely an attempt to understand why this has happened.

 

Good post. Though the one thing that doesnt sink with me. I was brought up in benwell from '72 until '79 when I moved to West Denton. It's fair to say I lived in a rough area. I done fuck all at school bar daydream. I fit your example perfectly. Encouraged by my Father to go out and work and that training schemes were slave labour. I got one O level (Actually a GCSE, the first year they were done) and that was in Art. I wanted to resit Maths as I just missed out. Went back to 6th form but left in Jan to get a job and earn money. Didnt go to uni.

 

Dont have a criminal record. Stolen from a shop once as a teen and got caught. Thank fuck I did tbh. Otherwise Im your typical bloke who stays on the right side of the law (bar speeding, but thats another discussion). I now run my own business through nowt but hard graft. I never felt like society owed me anything. Never felt hard done by even when I had my first flat and no carpets, no bed. I slept on a sofa that I was given and washed my clothes in the bath. This was when I was about 19 and in Newbiggin Hall. First job I earned £6500 a year. Never once did I think "fuck this, I deserve better so I'll steal it". Hard graft, head down. Everything I have I've earned. Was on the dole once for 2 weeks and hated it. So, all this talk of "theres no opportunities" and "I dont get paid to go to Uni" or whatever. I'm sure you can see why I think "Fuck You". Also maybe you can see why I do tend to label many on the dole as scroungers. Of course, there are those who try and fail. But there are many who dont.

 

To give a balanced argument though. Criminality is at all levels of society. It not just the poor. The whole things stinks of hypocrisy. The MP scoffs at the 16yr old petty thief while he files his dodgy expenses. Is it so different? But, while that is wrong, it doesnt make the former any more acceptable. You cant look at one and say its ok as the other does it.

 

I blame the parents

 

I actually do btw

 

Difficult to tell from your post but am I right in thinking you came from an essentially loving and caring family? Without trying to sound completely gay here, material poverty is only a small part of the problem. Emotional neglect can be much more damaging for kids, especially young ones.

[NJS 3960]

To give a balanced argument though. Criminality is at all levels of society. It not just the poor. The whole things stinks of hypocrisy. The MP scoffs at the 16yr old petty thief while he files his dodgy expenses. Is it so different? But, while that is wrong, it doesnt make the former any more acceptable. You cant look at one and say its ok as the other does it.

 

I blame the parents

 

I actually do btw

 

I think at the core is the concept of "decency" - if shit loads of people don't honestly see anything wrong with looting then we're basically fucked.

 

The stupid thing is I think as a whole "society" has improved over the last few decades - I know people don't believe it but there is less crime and shit like racism and homophobia along with other bigotries are less than what they used to be but there is still a huge problem with recognition of what is right and wrong at a fundamental level.

 

As I said when discussing the NOTW thing I couldn't believe how the idea that coppers took money for information didn't cause the outrage I felt it should and as you say things like expense fiddling and tax avoidance seem to be seen as almost acceptable.

 

This seems to me at least to show a conflict between how people generally behave and how easy it is for them to accept stuff they know is wrong when it suits - very worrying.

[Christmas Tree 3997]

It can't come as any surprise that the store they're looting are Currys, Jessops, JD Sports etc. We live in a nation that is wrapped up in consumerism. You can't turn anywhere without being battered by aspirational messages - buy this, shop there, wear that etc. No matter how misplaced the anger and pointless the looting knicking a pair of Nike Airs is their political statement. Listen to them when they're interviewed - hardly the most eloquent people in the world but when they're not talking about "fuckin' da feds, innit" there does seem to be a degree of understanding of both the political and social implications of what has happened and what's to come.

 

The number of people claiming benefits because they're out for an easy ride is pretty minimal, yet as this thread shows the scrounger stereotype pervades any discussion about those on the dole or disability. No wonder there's disenfranchisement amongst certain areas of society when they're constantly told that the 'career path' they're being forced down due to circumstances outside their control makes them second class citizens. It doesn't help that this message is being passed down by politicians who have stole more cash from the country than they have, the fans being flamed by the journalists who have wronged more people than they have and doors are being slammed shut in their faces thanks to the greediness of the bankers who are still being treated like the goose that laid the golden egg.

 

In school we remind kids that they're not quite good enough, so even if they do get out they're never going to have made it - don't get the grades and you're just another waster, get the grades and it's because the exams were easy. Go to university (if you can afford it) and unless you study a 'proper' subject you're derided for being a time waster. You're not meant to be learning, you're meant to be preparing yourself for the world of work. I mean who wants to learn in this day and age? Get out and start sweeping the streets. The only university you need to go to is the University of Life.

 

It may all seem pretty trivial, but piled one on top of another I can see why "da yoot" are fucked off.

 

And before anyone starts this isn't a justification, merely an attempt to understand why this has happened.

 

Good post. Though the one thing that doesnt sink with me. I was brought up in benwell from '72 until '79 when I moved to West Denton. It's fair to say I lived in a rough area. I done fuck all at school bar daydream. I fit your example perfectly. Encouraged by my Father to go out and work and that training schemes were slave labour. I got one O level (Actually a GCSE, the first year they were done) and that was in Art. I wanted to resit Maths as I just missed out. Went back to 6th form but left in Jan to get a job and earn money. Didnt go to uni.

 

Dont have a criminal record. Stolen from a shop once as a teen and got caught. Thank fuck I did tbh. Otherwise Im your typical bloke who stays on the right side of the law (bar speeding, but thats another discussion). I now run my own business through nowt but hard graft. I never felt like society owed me anything. Never felt hard done by even when I had my first flat and no carpets, no bed. I slept on a sofa that I was given and washed my clothes in the bath. This was when I was about 19 and in Newbiggin Hall. First job I earned £6500 a year. Never once did I think "fuck this, I deserve better so I'll steal it". Hard graft, head down. Everything I have I've earned. Was on the dole once for 2 weeks and hated it. So, all this talk of "theres no opportunities" and "I dont get paid to go to Uni" or whatever. I'm sure you can see why I think "Fuck You". Also maybe you can see why I do tend to label many on the dole as scroungers. Of course, there are those who try and fail. But there are many who dont.

 

To give a balanced argument though. Criminality is at all levels of society. It not just the poor. The whole things stinks of hypocrisy. The MP scoffs at the 16yr old petty thief while he files his dodgy expenses. Is it so different? But, while that is wrong, it doesnt make the former any more acceptable. You cant look at one and say its ok as the other does it.

 

I blame the parents

 

I actually do btw

 

I think it shows the cataclysmic change in society and attitudes over the past 20/30 years. Your story isn't really an uncommon one for the time.

 

EDIT: I've no idea what's posted below but thank fuck I've got CT on ignore.

 

 

I've posted on most of the last few pages but the only time you need to go back and re-dit a post is when I disagree with you

 

You know fine well you read it man....grow up.

[Happy Face 29]

I think at the core is the concept of "decency" - if shit loads of people don't honestly see anything wrong with looting then we're basically fucked.

 

The stupid thing is I think as a whole "society" has improved over the last few decades - I know people don't believe it but there is less crime and shit like racism and homophobia along with other bigotries are less than what they used to be but there is still a huge problem with recognition of what is right and wrong at a fundamental level.

 

As I said when discussing the NOTW thing I couldn't believe how the idea that coppers took money for information didn't cause the outrage I felt it should and as you say things like expense fiddling and tax avoidance seem to be seen as almost acceptable.

 

This seems to me at least to show a conflict between how people generally behave and how easy it is for them to accept stuff they know is wrong when it suits - very worrying.

 

The vast majority of us moral, (relatively) poor & hardworking react (rightly) with outrage when we see people like ourselves behaving in a criminal manner that's beneath us....hence 60 pages in a few days

 

But we see the police, politicians, press and corporations as another strata, we can hardly even relate to them and take it in our stride that these people will use criminality to take what they can get....it's expected....there's almost an iota of begrudging respect for playing 'the system' and climbing the ladder....hence banking threads that are lucky to top 3 pages.

Edited August 10, 2011 by Happy Face

[Christmas Tree 3997]

This country has gone to the dogs through years of lefties trying to "understand" wrongdoers.

 

The bloke pretending to help the kid with the broken jaw while nicking out of his backpack needs putting down, pure and simple. Scum, nothing more.

Edited August 10, 2011 by Christmas Tree