Representation of youths- London Riots

Giving youths a voice- sky news. These young people have been looting thousands of pounds worth of equipment within the London riots even though they are only 16. They claim it is to try and 'survive in this world' and blame society's preconceptions of them. One of those interviewed claims he stole from an electrical store who had refused his job application. Others within the group also have a strong opinion on society and how their age group are being portrayed in the media and 'unfairly treated' by older generations. I have been studying the different news reports and coverage fro the London Riots of August 2011 and found that this style of news report is rare. It is one of the only I have come across that has actually given the youth a voice and asked for their opinions and views. Most simply cover the destruction and chaos the riots are causing, putting the youth in a entirely negative light that doesn't completely comply to the rules of freedom of speech from both sides.

The London Riots did cause a great deal of devastation for many businesses, homes and innocent Londoners present in August 2011- and the media made sure this as known. Shocking and horrific images were hurriedly splashed around all forms of media communication. A photograph can speak a thousand words and some iconic and powerful images were captured in the few weeks the riots raged within. The use of these images which show a carpet store during and after it was burned down are particularly effective in shocking the viewer.

The BBC is a well known broadcasting service so will be trusted by many to deliver the news 'as it really is'. Many of the older generation have a great deal of belief in what the BBC will tell them is genuine and not blown out of proportion. Here is a link to a panorama BBC broadcast that shows young people being protrayed as a "danger" and a threat to society, there is a real sense of urgency, panic and fear from the older generation towards the younger within the opening scenes.

A representative of the older generation - a white haired gentleman in a suit says "we were witnessing a complete breakdown in law and order in our country" Victims (a young family with young daughter states " we were under siege they were out to murder us" Dramatic music builds tension and the BBC voice informs us they will "reveal just how the police lost control of OUR streets to THE MOB" This quote I find particularly demonstrates the divide between the authority and 'the rest'. The fact that these young people are reffered to as "the mob" clearly demonstrates the attitude towards them and their representation within the media. The referral to the streets as "our streets" also shows the youths as not being part of these streets, as if they have invaded our streets to claim as their own.