The boredom comments are surely too weak

Blackadder VBlackadder V Posts: 2,283
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I have understanding with some of the reasons why the rioters are frustrated with their situation and don't care about their communities but I really don't see how anyone can reasonably cite boredom as strong enough to mention.

Compared to how things were decades ago there is so much more to do now, even if education or work does not take up enough of their time.

All the things which people used to do are still there such as outdoor sports (ball games may be banned in car parks but there are still lots of parks) and outdoor games.

You have this incredible technological age with tv and films and especially the internet which is the educational tool television should have been but never was. The internet is almost a "world at your feet" instrument in many respects. I live on a council state and most people have internet of some sort, I would say 80%-90% and my estate is not very well off at all. Most kids have a games console or two of some sort if that is an interest, maybe not the very latest but they often do and those who have a love for games will always be able to find great games to play whichever generation console.

Even if technology doesn't interest then we have creative arts like drawing and writing, designing and other ways of expressing talent which really don't cost alot at all, some virtually nothing. Reading and conversing with friends are of course time old options as well.

You also have the City, if you live in London there is so much to see and do and different places to visit even if you just want a change of scenery to chill and socialise.


Some interests, hobbies and forms of entertainment are expensive but so many are not and nowadays there has never been a greater amount of things to do for people.

I am sure other things can be added to the list with lengthier thinking.



So if a person really is utterly bored to the point of despair is it actually that they are not interested in anything? or have worn out what must be the very few things they are interested in?

and if so is it really anyone elses fault? Is it really the governments fault, or the communities that they cannot build interest up in anything, despite all the options out there? Surely a person has a responsibility to inspire themselves if their interests are that starved

It is not like it is the 18th century where your options are reading, maybe a brisk walk, flower picking or maybe skipping or hop scotch for the younger ones.


Any thoughts? Is it a point too far or is boredom a valid ingredient to the mix?

Comments

  • exlordlucanexlordlucan Posts: 35,375
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    Funny how they all got bored together?
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 265
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    Remember these are the same people who also claim to be doing it because of poverty while organising their riots on £300 smart phones.

    Bunch of lying nob heads is what they are.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 115
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    Those who cite boredom as an excuse for anti-social or criminal behaviour appear to have a total lack of imagination. Rather than seeking meaningful and/or constructive ways to relieve the boredom they claim to feel they wollow in it and use it as an excuse for every perceived ill.

    I'm with the OP. There are innumerable ways to relieve boredom if you have the wit and the will to find them - and many are free, so poverty is no excuse..
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 7,341
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    Cliched excuse which I don't support and when I get bored my creativety doesn't reach the level of putting a window through or doing something 'constructive' like making Molotov cocktails.

    No doubt a certain Mr Kyle's got something to say and a few things to say to those people involved.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 36,630
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    Woman on Channel 4 news just said "The police have been going around murdering and shooting black and Asian people for years" WTF?.

    She also had the standard "It's all the fault of the police" line along with "These kids are bored, they have nothing to do", followed a bit later by "It wasn't just kids, but guys in their 20s and 30s". So basically, she kept contradicting herself, stupid woman.
  • -Sid--Sid- Posts: 29,365
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    If anything, kids are over-stimulated these days which probably does have the effect of making them become restless and bored quickly when they aren't doing something.

    That's the price we've paid for living in such a technologically advanced society.

    What's the solution? Well, from an early age, try not to sit children in front of televisions or play stations to keep them occupied. Converse with them, give them activities to do which don't involve gadgets. And certainly don't give them a mobile phone until they really need one.

    All easier said than done though when your kid's friends have all the latest gadgets and you don't want your own to feel left out.

    I think that's what it boils down to - a pressure to conform and keep up with everyone else. It's unhealthy but difficult to avoid doing.
  • skp20040skp20040 Posts: 66,872
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    Its not boredom, its mob mentlaity of kids who think they should have whatever they want , when they want and do not receive discipline and have seen that the justice system in the past has done little to young first time offenders.
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