Big Brother isn't watching you

Dismissing rioters as mindless is futile rhetoric. However unacceptable the UK riots, we need to ask why they are happening

That state of deprivation though is, of course, the condition that many of those rioting endure as their unbending reality. No education, a weakened family unit, no money and no way of getting any. JD Sports is probably easier to desecrate if you can't afford what's in there and the few poorly paid jobs there are taken. Amidst the bleakness of this social landscape, squinting all the while in the glare of a culture that radiates ultraviolet consumerism and infrared celebrity. That daily, hourly, incessantly enforces the egregious, deceitful message that you are what you wear, what you drive, what you watch and what you watch it on, in livid, neon pixels. The only light in their lives comes from these luminous corporate messages. No wonder they have their fucking hoods up.

I remember Cameron saying "hug a hoodie" but I haven't seen him doing it. Why would he? Hoodies don't vote, they've realised it's pointless, that whoever gets elected will just be a different shade of the "we don't give a toss about you" party.

- Russell Brand
- guardian.co.uk, Thursday 11 August 2011 20.00 BST

Useful links:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/aug/11/london-riots-davidcameron

http://www.russellbrand.tv/2011/08/big-brother-isnt-watching-you/

In reflection of the riots I personally felt confused, upset and shocked as I saw areas my friends live in and I have spent time at around London during the last 3 years up in flames and in chaos! Debates of who is to blame circulated around as many called it unknown acts of violence others blame parents, the government and the communities in which these rioters live.

I am fully aware of the economic and social deprivation of these particular areas particularly Hackney as I have worked on a placement at Mossbourne Academy on Hackney downs. Walking through this community after school it was visually ethnically diverse, a clear divide between the rich and poor and the 'things to do' for young people appeared sparse with many students hanging around the streets, bus stops or around estates. Mossbourne Academy which replaced the worst school in England (Hackney Down's School) was one of the first Labour Academy's. Mossbourne promotes a positive change to it's community through equal opportunity with strong social change within the school.

Working within the school, which in itself is known for its strict teaching and business like running, there was a push for extra curricular activities within the school, a strong ethos and behaviour management resulted during my time there in school having Oxbridge candidates in the 6th Form. With an ethos of 'reaching your true potential' and focus on good behaviour, respect and responsibility, I felt this school was making a true impact on the community of Hackney. However I do think, these children who have been given this opportunity to use better resources, role models and funds (which before was not available) seem lucky within their community. I question who are the rioters living amongst them? Are they the students at this school from year 7 (11 years old) to the Oxbridge candidates at 18years old or do they live alongside those who where involved in such riots, brothers/cousins/uncles who questionably could be influence those around them.

I noticed a real sense of community in the school, many students nominated themselves for fundraising charity work and the strong working ethos of Mossbourne promoted extra classes after school. Although punishment included a large amount of detentions (more then I had seen in any other school) it appeared the teachers had the respect of many of the students.

This work experience gave me faith in the education system targeting social and economically deprived areas although as with any school has it flaws. However what worries me was seeing the images on the television of the youths who could influence such students targeting the community that this school is trying so hard to build a future upon! This is just one example of education within one area targeted by the riots but many other areas face similar situations. Education is just one area that needs addressing for the future of young people but I felt deeply distressed seeing these communities living in fear of the youth of today when there is such good work being done in such poor areas.