Riots erupted from a potent mix of social ills

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17: “The looting ain’t about the shooting”.

These were the words of a young black man commenting to a TV news crew about the riots that swept across the UK.

Bermudians living in London have spoken of their terror and disbelief as the rioting took hold. Everyone is now asking how this happened in a country which just four months ago saw the pomp and pageantry of the Royal Wedding with feel-good community street parties across the nation.

It all started on August 4 when police officers in London went to arrest 29 year old Mark Duggan, a black man living in the predominantly Afro Caribbean district of Tottenham.  In the process of doing this he was shot dead. Initially it was reported that Mr Duggan had shot at a police officer and the bullet lodged in his radio. Later it emerged that the bullet actually came from a police issue gun so could not have been fired by Mr Duggan. Another non police issue hand gun was found at the scene but there is no evidence that it had been fired.

Two days later friends and family of Mr Duggan gathered peacefully outside Tottenham police station to protest against the manner of his death. The protest then became violent as other demonstrators — both black and white — joined in tossing petrol bombs, looting stores and burning police cars.

Hooded youngsters

Within days other parts of London, including leafy suburbs like Ealing, witnessed widespread rioting. This was followed by widespread riots across the UK. As the TV pictures showed, many of the rioters were hooded youngsters of all racial backgrounds and some mere children. One of the youngest to appear before magistrates is an 11 year old girl.

The picture that has emerged is complex. Yes, it all started off by the shooting of a black man and a justifiable anger that the wrong story had been put out that he had fired at an officer. 

So what is it about? First of all this didn’t just come out of the blue. Earlier this year there were violent riots in London with students demonstrating about a rises in university tuition fees. Prince Charles and his wife Camilla were surrounded by demonstrators as they sat in an official car and the vehicle was badly damaged. The cauldron has been simmering for some time and is a toxic mix.

Bermudians including those living in the UK will recognise some of the ingredients. Here’s the recipe:

Add a group of disaffected and bored youngsters from a variety of racial backgrounds. These have become disconnected from their communities seeing their peers or gang members as real ‘family’. 

Throw in a mish mash of adults who are angry at economic austerity measures. Include here students, professionals and the long term unemployed.

Include a large dose of social media and cellphone communication to get things stoked up. Then factor in a long hot summer to raise the heat even more.

Add a huge dollop of deep seated disillusionment with all of those in power including politicians, bankers, police and parts of the media. 

Finally a slug of ‘gimme gimme’ culture and ‘I want it now’ seasoning. This should include bling of all types and a ‘don’t care’ attitude if it is got by looting or violence. 

Then stir. 

Amongst all the reported comments about the riots, one from Dr Tony Sewell, Director of ‘Generating Genius’ an out of school programme for London youths, speaks volumes:

“Our ancestors, whether African, Caribbean or Anglo Saxon, knew that adolescent boys had to be provided with discipline and boundaries, otherwise the village would be burnt down.”

Not just adolescent boys it seems but food for thought in these turbulent times.

Maggie Fogarty is a Royal Television Society award winning TV producer and journalist currently living in Bermuda.