London Riots Presentation Notes

• Omolola: - The main participants of the riots were teenagers. 

                         - The teenagers enganged in acts of vandalism.

                         - It was suggested by David Cameron that in the future rubber bullets should be considered
                            as an option.

                         - It is also of Omolola's opinion that the teenagers had no reason to strike.

                         - Her info was accessed from The Independent Newspaper website.

• Abdualazeez: - Claims of opportunistic behaviour.

                               - Claims of police misconduct.

                               - He further quotes a blog by "mabinogog" at blogspot.com as the search of a better life
                                  at all costs as a reason for the riots.

                               - He also adds that Dr Paul Bagualy from Leeds Uni attributes the riots to
                                  unemployment and anger.

                               - He proceeds by illustrating the veiws of Richard Sudan who is of the belief that public
                                  service cuts, poverty, police attitude, racisim and ignorance are the main cause of the
                                  riots.

                                - Another source he quotes is Mike Butcher, a technology journalist who is of the
                                   opinion that the use of BBM (Black Berry Messenger) as a main contributor of the
                                   riots as these kinds of messages are untraceable and hence effectively served to
                                   conduct the riots. He is also suprised that BBM was not banned for the period while
                                   the riots were taking place.

• Henry: - Who was Mark Duggan?

                     - 29 years of age.

                     - Displays a pic of him exhibiting a gang sign.

                     - 4th of Aug minicab stopped at approx 18:15 BST

                     - There was a wepon discharge.

                     - Mark Duggan died 30mins later.

                     - Speculation about whether he was gang affiliated, armed or if he shot at the Police 1st.

                     - Police mishandled peaceful demo on the 16th of Aug

                     -Visual display of chaos.

• Ralph: - 4th of Aug Mark shot by Scotland Yard.

                    - 6th Aug : peaceful protest march.

                    - Armed youth looting.

                    - Influence of Black Berry Messenger.

                    - He attributes the causes of the riots to poor relation with police, social exclusion, crime culture
                       and opportunism.

                     - Viable solutions include special forces for riots, more youth opportunities, more awareness of
                        opportunities and the regulation of video games.

                     - His info is sourced from BBC, SKYNEWS, CNN and FOX NEWS.

• Ezekiel: - Mark Duggans suspected of shooting at Police.

                      - Officer shot back in self defence.

                      - Was Mark a family man or a gangster.

                      - North London people believed he was a gangster.

                      - 4 children and a fiance.

                      - Was arrested previously with no evidence.

                      - Gun found at the scene.

                      - Some suspect gun was planted on the scene by police.

                      - References: Gaurdian 8th of August 2011.

• My opinion: It is of my opinion that the riots were intially incited by the killing of Mark Duggan but later turned into an opportunity for people to enrich themselves materially due to adverse poverty. It should also be noted that some participants were merely trying to express their distaste of the current government along  with their polices. I am also of the opinion that the use of social networks further made the situation worse as it enabled the riots to be coordinated.