YICSB Youth Discussion | Islington Youth Voices on the London Riots

Facilitated by City YMCA | The Drum

9th August, 2011

Purpose:

This session was held to provide a platform for young people to voice their views and concerns on the London Riots, the underlying causes and the response by the media, the public, police and the Government.

The participants primarily came from City YMCA hostels in Islington or were involved in other City YMCA youth programmes.  Their names have been left out to protect their identity.

The session was designed to encourage youth to think about positive solutions which can be implemented at community level and through existing programmes and structures such as the Youth Islington Comunity Safety Board and City YMCA.

The exercise of discussion, in an open and non-judgemental environment was, in itself, important for developing the youth’s understanding of the issues, and how they can be part of the solution. More importantly, it provided them a unique opportunity to exercise their voice. For this reason, it is recommended that these notes be shared widely and appropriately with other stakeholders, including other youth and community organisations, the media, the police and policy makers. 

Summary of YICSB Objectives:

To meaningfully involve young people, through consultation, participation and action on issues related to local policing, community relations and youth issues in the Islington Borough.

Youth share their opinions and their understanding of the issue:

·         The youth had a very strong collective understanding of the events that led-up to the 3 nights of rioting both within London and in other cities of UK. Many shared that they had known about the riots (location etc.) before they occurred, through Twitter and FaceBook.

·         The group was very divided; some were strong supporters and others were strongly opposed. Most, however, fell somewhere between – they could empathise with some of the contributing factors which may have fuelled the riots, but were not in support of the rioting itself.

·         There was widespread criticism of the issue being labelled a youth issue. One participant said; “It’s not only young people, adults are also involved, sending their kids out to loot….” But the media has been portraying it as if it is only kids and youth causing the problem.

·         They discussed some of the language used in the media to describe the rioters, which they were not comfortable with: “these kids”, “thugery”, “black”, “dressed in an urban manner”.

·         One participant attributed the riots to Government corruption.

·         The same participant suggested that politics has a major role; “It all started when Labour got taken out…. The gap between rich and poor is widening.”

·         One participant provided a spiritual perspective; “This is evil. The devil is ruling right now… we need to get right with God”.

·         There was discussion about British culture and society, and the role of government to support youth in education etc. One participant said; “British people are spoilt. In [her origin country in Africa], people strive to work. But here, the Government gives you money, and you get to go to college up to 18. There is no excuse for doing wrong.”

·         Another shared about the issue of temptation – how easy it is to get swept up in it, or to at least quietly support it by purchasing the stolen goods. E.g. “I have thought about buying a laptop for £100 or buying a cheap pair of Air Forces from my neighbour who stole them while looting….It’s all about temptation… But not everyone has that much self-control….” Another shared; “Why not just take advantage of what is going on… and benefit from it?”

·         The participants discussed the possibility of negative consequences, i.e. that youth will be punished, JSA benefits could be cut, and despite that adults were also involved.

·         They shared reasons for joining or for not joining. Some said that rioters joined simply because the opportunity was there. Others talked about the risks involved and the fact that they were scared.

·         One participant shared his view that the Police don’t understand what the younger generation needs. They need stability. They need parents. They need education… “If you flop in your GCSEs you have nothing.”

·         However, another youth expressed her view that the government is already doing so much for youth, and people don’t take advantage of these opportunities; “I want to know… what are people rioting about?”

·         In response… “every single person has their own motive to riot.”

Some telling quotes:

“The Government don’t   give a shit. They only reason they give a shit now is because we are standing up!”

“I say…. burn some more! They need to be heard!”

“It’s not right to set fire to people’s houses and businesses, but I don’t care about Government buildings…. They deserve it”

“Everyone is frustrated. No jobs, no prospects…..”

“I’m not trying to be a hypocrite, but I know what it was like before the riots. All this frustration has accumulated…..”

“If anyone should be targeted by the rioters, it should be the banks, because that’s where all the government money is tied up…”

“It’s not looting anymore. It’s robbery. They are breaking and entering with the intention of stealing….”

“Our generation is planking!”

“No-one really has a good reason for it and we are ALL going to suffer for it”

“I understand what happened in Tottenham but everywhere else is unjustified…”

“The only thing I feel unsafe from is the police, especially those with dogs!”

“This is a developed country. If we lose order then we are in real trouble”

In light of recent events, have your views changed in regards to Stop and Search?

·         A few participants pointed out that Hackney riots kicked off due to a stop and search that was carried out on a young person who was allegedly simply passing through. They described it as unprovoked, and a waste of police time and resources.

·         Some agreed that the looters have, in fact, shot themselves in the foot, legitimising future police actions. “Now, whatever they do, they have the whole of London behind them. They have provided an excuse which will last for years”.

·         One participant shared a personal experience. He had been stopped and searched 3 times the day before. The first, he acknowledged, was justified as he was in the vicinity of riots and wearing a scarf over his face. He described the other 2 as being entirely unprovoked.

·         Another youth reflected on the increased police presence. “No one wanted them there before, but now everyone wants them there…”

Does everyone feel safe?

·         One participant shared on his fear of random attacks and the threat to his family and their home. He described how quickly fire can spread, and how things can get out of hand quickly.

·         Another youth shared her fears about opportunistic crime, as a result of the police being over-extended. She described some of the risks; rape, paedophilia, violence etc.

·         They talked about the images of rioters on TV, that some of the behaviour looks crazy and possessed; out of control. “There is no stopping them… they are out of control!”

·         One participant raised the question of parenting, asking why parents are allowing their young kids to go out on the streets during the riots. On the flipside, she acknowledged that some of the rioters may not have parental guidance, so how can we blame them.

What could be done to improve the situation?

Suggestions from Participants are paraphrased below:

·         The Government needs to focus on holistic solutions.

·         Discourage people from being spectators

·         Young people need to understand the difference between protesting and rioting, and need to get informed about the issues so their voices have credibility. In particular, in regards to EMA, young people need to educate themselves. One participant shared how she uses the internet to find out more about youth issues; “being in the hood is no excuse!”

·         Protect the younger kids from turning out like this.

·         “We need to WORK!” Foreigners will take the jobs that Brits are too lazy to do.

·         “Our voices are the only tools we can use”… we can influence our peers to think about better ways.

·         We need to better understand what caused the riots.

·         We can demand our rights and better services.

·         We need to change mind-sets

Local Solutions:

·         Youth centre with daily activities for entertainment (one participant suggested using an old derelict building) – snooker, basketball, music, football etc.

·         Events to get excited about, e.g. A Talent Show.

·         Get informed, Work through and alongside existing groups that are able to influence change.