...and we've got no solutions
A little over a week ago, 60 Minutes featured a story about recent riots in some of the working class suburbs of Sydney. Ever-insightful reporter, Mike Munro stayed 3 nights in the area to do the report and his crew was attacked during that time. He showed some aspects of life in these suburbs and talked to some of the kids who have been involved in violence there. When he interviewed NSW Labor premier Bob Carr, Carr said he had no sympathy for the rioters because he knew too many people from underprivileged backgrounds who had made a go of it. I sent this letter to 60 Minutes after the report…
I was very concerned by the way your reporter Mike Munro gained the confidence of the people of Macquarie Fields, only to bring us a report in which he never stopped moralising about them. In spite of the fact that many people he spoke to tried to help him understand how complex the situation is, Munro still seemed to believe it should be as simple as going out and getting a job. Monro was never unfortunate enough to be born into a culture of crime, poor education, a stressful home, and a welfare mentality, and 3 days of “roughing it” was never likely to give him any idea of what that’s like. The frustration of these kids must be immense and while it is no excuse, it is unsurprising that they react the way they do. Being able to steal a car takes a lot of ability, effort and passion. If only society could help them find ways to channel this into more worthwhile pursuits.
Bob Carr’s equally simplistic response was even more disappointing. Our leaders should be looking for positive ways of rebuilding the social fabric in those communities, and ensuring that children are given an education that will teach them the skills and knowledge they need for a brighter future. Instead all we get is negativity. And so the class war continues.