Who knew that Ali G was a serious documentary?

[philmophlegm]

Got home from work, turned on the news and lo and behold there are riots all over London. And what is more, all the rioters seem to be Ali G. I'm half expecting Richard Madeley to come on soon to relieve the Sky News newsreaders.

I appreciate that this must be terrifying if it's you or your shop being attacked, but speaking selfishly and safely in Cornwall, well it's very funny. I mean the rioters just look so comical in their tracksuits and hoodies. I love it when people live up to stereotypes. This is almost as funny as it would be if there were riots in Toxteth and news coverage showed that all the rioters had perms, bushy moustaches and fluorescent shell suits...

One serious question though: what exactly is the point of riot batons? The police clearly aren't allowed to use them in case some poor rioter gets hurt, so what are they actually for? Wouldn't certain politicians and sections of the media be happier all round if riot police just stood there with their hands tied behind their backs?

Comments

[elmo-iscariot.livejournal.com]

One serious question though: what exactly is the point of riot batons? The police clearly aren't allowed to use them in case some poor rioter gets hurt, so what are they actually for?

I honestly hate to opine critically on somebody else's culture. None of my business, live and let live, et cetera.

But yes, it's pretty clear there's a segment of the British population that wishes the police wouldn't intervene. And there's another segment that wants government to impose law and order and to protect the law-abiding citizenry--hell, believes that's the primary role of government. I guess the way these riots are being handled represents the government's attempt to appease both sides.