Tottenham Riots

[arcademannequin]

Since nobody has spoken about this, I just wondered what forum members thought about all those terrible scenes in London? - Utterly shocking. - Thought those days had long gone.- Scenes we are used to seeing in so-called third world countries, literally on our own doorsteps. - What was sickening to me though, was that at times the violence seemed to have no purpose of protest, with hooligans more intent on looting shops for expensive trainers and phones.

Do you think this is a one-off before normality ensues, or is it a very visual reminder of the breakdown in multi-cultural society, that has always existed but is continuously swept under the carpet? - My thoughts are that as long as there are ethnic groups living in poverty who are not getting a fair crack of the whip, there will always be a simmering resentment.

Just curious if these riots have been reported overseas too? What do you think of them? - Do they surprise you, or have you always been aware that such an under-current exists in British society?

[Lady41]

This isn't my own post, but it's one I've stolen from another forum to get this one started (a friend's post).

"Sadly I think peaceful and legitimate protests are becoming harder and harder unfortunately.

There are some that work simply on the basis that to get our protests into the public domain we have to make it visible.

it is true after the Brixton riots of the early 80s both time and effort was found to resolve what was very genuine grievences, though of course at the time the riots were condemed, they actually did make progress for the community as a whole, this seems more a case of I need a new telly lets join the protest whilst for others it was just a chance to tag on and get into fights."

[pocketfraggle]

It has been reported overseas (I saw it online) - but I think it will be more interesting to read the newspaper tomorrow morning...

[oldcrow]

It is August. Riots seem to happen a lot in August.

[docbob]

It is August. Riots seem to happen a lot in August.

justify??

[arcademannequin]

If I could edit my own thread title, I would, because what were yesterday being labelled the Tottenham riots, are now being called the London riots. - I'm so shocked and appalled by what I'm watching live on the news, as violence, looting and arson spreads to Hackney, Peckham, Lewisham and other areas of the capital. - What the hell is going on here? It's anarchy.

What can be seen to be an acceptable use of force by police against these thugs? According to the newsreader, the police vastly outnumber the hooligans, and yet as I'm watching, the police are backing off and letting them reap their destruction. It just doesn't make sense that the police should be on the back-foot. - I can't help thinking that this would be far better dealt with in other countries. Where are the water cannons? Where is the tear gas?

People's homes are burning and lives are at stake. - Has any of these idiots stopped to think that they are not waging war against the police and the justice system here, but against their own neighbours? Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face.

.......And worryingly, violence has just started in Birmingham. This is quite obviously becoming an organised campaign of violence.

[arcademannequin]

It does also make me wonder if our own police are afraid to use any sort of force, after what has happened in recent years?

[pocketfraggle]

It does also make me wonder if our own police are afraid to use any sort of force, after what has happened in recent years?

What happened then?

I read an article today in the newspaper - not very informative - mostly escribing the vast extend of violence and destruction. No reasons except mentioning poverty, unemployment rates and people of different ethnic background (300 languages being spoken in Tottenham)... just a small note that police are not "welcome" by citizens there and it would be like "declaration of war" if they intervened.
Somebody twittered and others ready to use violence joined partly just to plunder shops. I really don´t understand this. Later on the radio they noted that it got worse and other parts of the town were involved. I would have to read some BBC news to get more information, I presume.
Makes me feel sad - there must be children...

[arcademannequin]

It does also make me wonder if our own police are afraid to use any sort of force, after what has happened in recent years?

What happened then?

I read an article today in the newspaper - not very informative - mostly escribing the vast extend of violence and destruction. No reasons except mentioning poverty, unemployment rates and people of different ethnic background (300 languages being spoken in Tottenham)... just a small note that police are not "welcome" by citizens there and it would be like "declaration of war" if they intervened.
Somebody twittered and others ready to use violence joined partly just to plunder shops. I really don´t understand this. Later on the radio they noted that it got worse and other parts of the town were involved. I would have to read some BBC news to get more information, I presume.
Makes me feel sad - there must be children...

There were a number of instances of police being caught on film using what was deemed to be excessive use of force. - On one occasion, a totally innocent man was pushed to the ground and he later died as a result.

That policeman was rightly prosecuted, but it must make the police in general, very wary of using any force, knowing that the media are present.

[oldcrow]

It is August. Riots seem to happen a lot in August.

justify??

probably wrong Bob....just an impression..