“We needed a fightback and
a fightback is under way.
- British Prime Minister, David Cameron -

Fightback? Maybe kinda wrong contextually to use the word "fight" in light of the massive violence rocking London and other major cities in the U.K. (See article).

As images and footage of the riots get beamed around the world, one cannot help but feel angered yet disappointed. Anger is palpable amongst most in society. We don't and shouldn't condone such violence that is perpetrated by a small group of individuals. I am also disappointed in the fact that youths (English youths) have actually resorted to violence as the answer to their problems.

One can truly understand the disaffection seeping through British society given the dismal economic performance, rising costs etc. BUT rioting and hurting people is by no means the correct way to demand answers. Worst still, the rioters seem unrepentant when interviewed.

Questions are raised. Have parents failed in their duties? Is the education system in the UK teaching the right values? Has commodification/conspicuous consumption reach such a stage that British youths only see material goods in high regard?

The looting of businesses and shops is testament to the nature of the riots. It is a CONSUMPTION riot I would say. Rioters just want to highlight their desire for consumer goods but are unable to afford them, thereby resorting to looting. The riots are not religious/racial in nature at the moment but there's no guarantee that it will not become religious/racial in the coming days or weeks.

Just a few weeks earlier, Londoners were celebrating their 1 year countdown to the Olympic Games and their Mayor, Boris Johnson was quoted as saying that it will be a memorable games (See article). Looking back, I now harbour serious doubts over London's capability to host the Olympic Game next year especially the issue of security. Hopefully London 2012 will not be remembered for all the wrong reasons...

Moving back, the law and order issue has once again propped up on the agenda. Whether the British authorities will punish the instigators only OR everyone that they can nail remains to be seen. What is certain though that these teenagers will need to be taught a painful lesson. Come to think of it, corporal punishment such as caning may well be the answer.

As London/major cities burn, Britain and the world should pause to reflect on the increasingly viral nature of social media and how best to utilize it positively. Widening income gaps will also come under intense scrutiny globally as Governments seek to prevent simmering tensions from boiling over, as was the case with London.

I wish London the very best and hope that Londoners/the English will rise up again to show the world that violence has no place in society. Get well soon:)!

For footage/images of the riots, visit www.bbc.co.uk.