Lack of Authority Behind Lawlessness in U.K.

What’s the Latest Development?

From Scotland, youth charity director and criminologist Stuart Waiton says its the impotent approach taken by police that has helped encourage the U.K.’s copycat riots. “Consequently, a relatively minor event in London that could and should have easily been nipped in the bud has escalated.”

What’s the Big Idea?

Waiton says that what has helped create a “disconnected and self-absorbed group of youngsters” is the undermining of adult authority and the “more patronising and morally vacuous self-esteem obsessed approach of authorities and educationalists.” “Coupled with a confused and impotent police force, the result has been mayhem,” he claims.