Tuesday, August 9, 2011

London Riots: A Brief Comment

It's not often I walk around the streets of London feeling concerned for my safety-which, I know may be a surprise to most people..  But, with so many people out on the streets, it's usually a safe place to be.

Sadly, for the past 24 hours, I can't say I've felt that way.  Unless you've had your head buried in the sand, you're well aware of the riots that have been happening in London since Saturday nite: the opportunists (as much as I really want to call them all sorts of names, I'll refrain...) are running amok on the streets smashing and grabbing and burning.  And are pathetically using the death of a man as the impetus for the violence.

This behaviour is forcing people like myself indoors; as I walked home last night at 8.30pm, the sidewalks were deserted-and that was not a pleasant feeling-and even once I got home, I saw all of 3 people walk thru our mews (a fraction of the usual footfall), and only 1 car pass by.   No violence per se came 'close' to where I live, but as London is home, it all feels close.

This behavoiur is forcing businesses to close; even the company I work in sent people home at 4.30pm today-and that seems to be common based on what I'm reading on Facebook from my friends who work at companies spread throughout London-regardless of how close they are to the past or present violence.

The upside?  Check out Twitter and search for #riotscleanup  or visit riotcleanup.co.uk
It's not exactly our 'Arab Spring', but perhaps it's the best we can do for now.
Hopefully this is a start to some good happening here in London.
After these past few days, we all need it.

11 comments:

  1. Been watching the news horrified at the violence. Sending wishes from the U.S. of a quick end to the terror and return to safe times - Alexandra

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  2. My heart has been in my throat as I read about what is happening. How could this happen in London, a city I love?!? Please stay safe.

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  3. I'm very disappointed to hear what's happening there, but glad to hear you're staying safe. These kids are angry, poor and out of work and feeling discriminated against. But times are hard for everyone and it's no excuse. I guess the best thing I can say about it is that they're not killing people. I hope it ends soon for everyone's sake.

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  4. Thanks for the comments, all. London was relatively quiet last nite (Manchester unfortunately, was not). But, fingers crossed it is a step in the right direction!

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  5. Been keeping up on the news of the events. It really is horrible! I like how you refer to the rioters as "opportunists" (I feel the same way exactly). Sending wishes from the US~

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  6. I have been reading your blog for about a year now ever since my company started talking about branching off into Europe. I must say it has been extremely helpful! I was getting very excited as my family and I are getting very close to moving across the pond to London and now to hear about the riots it is making me sick to my stomach to think I may be exposing my two young kids and wife to this spectacle that is these riots.
    As soon as I heard about the riots I wonder what you would post to your blog about it. Well stay safe!

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  7. To the Anon poster above... I know that the riots, looting and thuggery are/were disturbing, but what's so heartening about all of this has been seeing the Brits' collective response. From the clean-up efforts to the united front of the nation's citizens. It extended beyond petty party lines and cultural chasms. These types of nasty things happen all over the globe, including the U.S. To me, I'm seeing so much evidence of a country and citizens with great character. That's what you'll be exposing your family to.

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  8. I understand that Karen. I am very excited to see the British country men and women standing together on a united front like that. I shouldn't let the actions of some "opportunist" ruin this once in a lifetime experience for me & my family. Thanks Karen for bringing me back down to earth!

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  9. Agree with Karen. I'm supposed to go to London next year to start grad school and this hasn't deterred me at all. Just like in the U.S. after September 11, ordinary citizens in NYC did extraordinary things to help others, people everywhere here were much nicer to each other. Bad things like that will happen wherever you are, but it brings out the best in people. I'm afraid that if individual economic situations and political divides become worse and poor people become even more disenfranchised in the U.S. we will begin to see some of that here. You might end up safer in the UK, at least there's no guns...

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  10. Hi Kristina I must say that I LOVE YOUR BLOG. I stumbled across it at work and have been living vicariously through your experiences. Now, this is just a thought for now, but I would love to complete my Master's Degree in London. I know you have the experience from work going over there, but I was curious if you could steer me in the direction of a website that could help with more knowledge or funding I would so greatly appreciate it. If you would like you can visit me at my blog: http://arquinnloveasyoubreathe.blogspot.com/ or just email me at a.r.quinn87@gmail.com IF you have the time I would greatly appreciate it. Have a wonderful day and I'm a little late, but congrats again on your wedding!!

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  11. "These kids are angry, poor and out of work and feeling discriminated against."

    Balls!

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