This is obviously not the first time that seemingly inappropriate police actions (I am not blaming the police nor am I supporting their actions, I do not have enough information to endorse either side). It is often stated that history repeats itself but knowing this how do we continuously let history keep repeating? How could people who were probably completely "average" a few days ago now be destroying their own neighborhoods and cities? More importantly how could this have been prevented, and how can it be prevented in the future?
I honestly cannot even attempt to answer any of those questions. What I can say is that the anger, hate, and desire to strike back that is filling the hearts of the people of the UK has obviously spread like wild fire and the violent outbursts have become contagious. An individual, alone, on the street, after the event that sparked the riots would almost never respond violently. There may be angry words directed at the police or even threats but a single person (or a very small group of people) would almost never resort to rioting, violent outbursts, and looting. So what is it about large groups that causes people to act so far outside of the norm? What is it about being in a large group that makes it seem completely justifiable to absolutely ransack your own environment, hurt your own people, and steal from your own community?
I guess there are by far more questions here than actual insights but I have studied a bit about how when in specific settings people act differently than normal (ex: doing the wave at a sporting event, you wouldn't do the wave in your house now would you?) but I am completely flabbergasted by the fact that people can get some completely caught up in anger, violence, and a group dynamic (and probably a lot of fear) that they would destroy their own environment.
That being said my thoughts are with everyone in these hostile areas, anyone who knows someone in these areas, and the UK in general. Be safe and put an end to this needless violence.
Interesting post, Katie...I haven't read much about the riots either, but I read one comment that sounds about right: We just don't pay attention anymore unless there is violence. Which is true - sex and violence sell, they reach our basest instincts. People are always outraged and talking against things but no one cares unless there is violence. Be a radical Christian or Muslim or atheist, but as long as its just words, feelings, people can ignore you, push you out of consciousness. Violence makes your presence very real and felt and un-ignorable. That's perhaps why it seems a very real human tendency. I'm super hippie Catholic pacifist, so I'd love to believe people aren't violent, but I'd be naive to ignore the fact that it seems so a part of being human on some level. With violence, you act on the world and it RESPONDS. I hope that this isn't a trend in the world but I just have this feeling the more economy fails, governments fail, environment fails, the more we'll see reactions like this....
ReplyDeleteOk so long comment back, but just wanted to say I enjoy the blog and really enjoyed this post. I ask myself these kinds of questions - hence the psych major myself. Keep up the good questions and blogging!!
~Kate B
Thanks Kate! You make some really great points, it's so true it seems to be the only way to get people to listen or realize what's going on is violence and it sucks. Thanks for reading!
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