Lecturer's claim that riots could spread to Scottish cities
- By Stefan Morkis
- Published in the Courier : 11.08.11
- Published online : 11.08.11 @ 02.43pm
(Page 2 of 2)
He added, "Here, those kids have no sense of community at all — they are childish and narcissistic.
"In the 1980s, riots were relatively well-organised. In Toxteth people came out with baseball bats and Molotov cocktails — they were a force to be reckoned with.
"Here they were a disparate group of self-involved youths and the police seemed entirely incapable of dealing with it."
Dr Waiton said there is also a racial element to the riots in England that does not exist in Scotland, because communities are generally less divided along ethnic or religious grounds.
"Scotland is a more conservative, static society," he said.
"It's less post-modern, by which I mean people generally still have some connection to their community.
"Scotland also has very few communities that are predominantly based on ethnic identities."
Dr Waiton added that fear of being cast as racist has prevented adults from tackling antisocial behaviour and attitude among children from ethnic backgrounds.
"I think what's interesting is that youths are patronised rather than challenged," he said.
"We've got a less judgmental attitude in general."
'An asocial society'
He added, "Adults rarely assert their authority — youths from ethnic minorities are seen as having 'their' culture, whatever that means.
"Whether it's gangster rap or wearing hoodies and they adopt a childish persona, they are not challenged because people are concerned about being accused of racism.
"Too much attention, and money, has been spent on antisocial behaviour in recent years when the much more fundamental problem is the creation of an asocial society — one in which the authorities may discuss 'respect' as an apparent antidote to antisocial behaviour, but do so in a self-referential and therapeutic way.
"When everyone and everything is deserving of 'respect' it simply turns into a form of indulgence and flattery lacking content and actually limiting the capacity of older people and communities from forming and indeed enforcing a sense of what is right and wrong."
Earlier this year Dr Waiton claimed plans by the Scottish Government to introduce jail sentences of up to five years for anyone found guilty of abusive and sectarian behaviour while watching football are a draconian assault on civil liberties.
The laws would apply to anyone watching football, whether they are at a stadium, in a pub or even just commenting online.
03.37pm - 11.08.2011 gnasher - dundee, angus Report This
Another interllectual trying to be recognised ??
03.45pm - 11.08.2011 Dee4Life - Dundee, Scotland Report This
There have been no riots in Scotland since 1919. Since 1919 there has been 28 instances of riots in England, 16 in London. That is nearly a riot every 3 years in England. This shows that Scotland and England behave totally different to social, economic and political issues.
05.53pm - 11.08.2011 Alexander - Montrose, Angus Report This
A young laddie got arrested for saying almost the same thing on a social site, how irresponsible is this lecturer, he should get a wee visit from the boys in blue, soon as.
06.26pm - 11.08.2011 T.Butchers - Dundee, uk Report This
Sounds like the answer has just plopped from this ivory tower.....and he has books to sell!
08.02pm - 11.08.2011 Dundee Father - Dundee, Scotland Report This
In the 1980s the police were too aggressive. Now they are too passive. When the next riot/demonstration happens no doubt Dr Waiton or one of his peers will pop up to offer the benefit of their years in the halls of academia. Second guessing a speciality. Who would be a policeman in this country?
11.28pm - 11.08.2011 Former student - Forfar, Scotland Report This
No one at Abertay has any idea about anything....worse uni in the UK.
07.21am - 12.08.2011 Charlie - Dundee, UK Report This
Dundee Faither I would. Ever thought if looking up the salary, expenses, not including reduced mortgages the police get? Years ago, the police served a public. Nowadays they are too passive, something they endorsed. No, more interested in getting through the day and picking up the pay cheque.
10.22am - 12.08.2011 Dundee Father - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Charlie, Reduced Mortgages? Evidence, please. If you mean Housing Allowance, it was abolished in the mid 90s, but don't let the facts get in your way.
12.24am - 13.08.2011 CharliE - Dundee, UK Report This
Reduced RATES on mortgages, Dundee Faither. Ask a policeman. ANY policeman, or policewoman. I added that bit as I would hate to become a victim to more pedantry.
12.26am - 13.08.2011 Mike D - Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom Report This
@ Former Student Abertay has better reports than Forfar's Uni.
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