This photo is thought-provoking, absurd, dark, and sad.
The riots are horrible, and people who took part in damaging property, looting, or hurting other people should be caught and punished. That should go without saying.
But people should think about what underlies a riot. Basically, civil society rests on a somewhat delicate social contract that people have to buy into, en masse. When people don't buy into it, it falls apart. So it needs to be asked: What is happening that has damaged the social contract in the UK? Why don't people feel a part of it?
At a guess, I'd say that the government's contradictory pursuit of "austerity" and the Olympic spectacle at the same time probably hasn't helped any.
I'm curious about this guy. Is he trying to make a statement? Is he ridiculing the rioters or making a point about class and wealth ("this is the closest I'll ever get to being part of the horsey set,")? Or is he just an antisocial troll, revelling in the mayhem, and making the point he doesn't take any of it very seriously?
I'm curious about the (burned and probably stolen) horse, too. Is it some kid's beloved plaything?
5 comments:
I'm all for some light-heartedness in the face of tragedy and violence, but...this just doesn't feel right. :/
I don't think the headline was meant to be light hearted. He is pointing out the grim contrast in realities in London. Well-done say I.
I'm not sure this is Photoshopped Annemarie.
I've seen several photos of this gentleman and his rocking horse.
http://i.imgur.com/lHb3g.jpg
I find it sick what's happening over there... we have become a society of shame.. :(
This photo is thought-provoking, absurd, dark, and sad.
The riots are horrible, and people who took part in damaging property, looting, or hurting other people should be caught and punished. That should go without saying.
But people should think about what underlies a riot. Basically, civil society rests on a somewhat delicate social contract that people have to buy into, en masse. When people don't buy into it, it falls apart. So it needs to be asked: What is happening that has damaged the social contract in the UK? Why don't people feel a part of it?
At a guess, I'd say that the government's contradictory pursuit of "austerity" and the Olympic spectacle at the same time probably hasn't helped any.
I'm curious about this guy. Is he trying to make a statement? Is he ridiculing the rioters or making a point about class and wealth ("this is the closest I'll ever get to being part of the horsey set,")? Or is he just an antisocial troll, revelling in the mayhem, and making the point he doesn't take any of it very seriously?
I'm curious about the (burned and probably stolen) horse, too. Is it some kid's beloved plaything?
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