When I found out that David Lammy had written a book on the riots I was shocked. The riots took place in August and three months later a book is written and published, when David Cameron and so many others are still trying to work out why the riots spread to other areas and what exactly happened in the case of Mark Duggan. I made my feelings known via twitter and caught the attention of his publisher who kindly sent me the book to read. Here are my thoughts...
As I held the book in my hand I turned over and read the back cover. My eyebrow instantly raised and numerous questions began formulating. “David Lammy MP predicted the riots of 2011 a year before they took place”. I do not recall Lammy making this explicit forecast and even if he did it just seemed strange to begin an overview of a book in this manner. The tone has an air of “I told you so” though who is this aimed at? The next sentence led to the same reaction “Following the violence he spoke passionately for his constituents”. I and many others remember that televised speech well. Unfortunately Lammy’s passion came across as patronising. As he spoke the dynamics were clear, he was the angry father and those who rioted in Tottenham were the naughty children. I acknowledge having to speak live in such circumstances is not easy, but for me that didn’t help morale at all.
November 9th I was walking to work and David Lammy walked past me. I stopped him and introduced myself. I have never bumped into an MP and here he is, 3 days into me reading his book. Random, coincidence or synchronicity? Who knows. He was warm, open and engaging and told me he looked forward to reading my review.
David Lammy born in Tottenham and now the MP for this area speaks openly about his childhood, the riots in 1985 and 2011, Mark Duggan, society today and the potential solutions for society tomorrow. He has done what no other MP, to my knowledge has done and that is to connect the dots to give a wider perspective on various issues from family life, environment, class, behaviour, to the punishment and education system. I do not agree with all of his suggestions but nevertheless they have value.
His detailed account of Mark Duggan’s death is clear, supported by references and a description that brings to life the atmosphere along with the various emotions and confusion. Mark Duggan was killed by CO-19 (another firearms departments within the Met) as part of an Operation Trident investigation and not by local police, which Lammy raises as it’s a fact, whilst acknowledging that the relationship with the public and local police has improved since the first riots. Lammy seems to understand the impact past situations have had on this community, unfortunately it didn’t translate well through his speech because he chose to focus on “Don’t judge this area again please” tone, over the general overwhelming consensus among the people that another injustice took place. It’s all about balance and sensitivity which Lammy seemed to get wrong on this occasion.
Commenting on today’s culture Lammy said...
“The riots were an explosion of hedonism and nihilism. People with little to lose lashed out at authority and took what they wanted. The violence and the looting were driven by a sense that, for a few nights only, people could do whatever they pleased. Lives and livelihoods were treated as collateral damage in pursuit of self-gratification”.
I fully agree with his points however I would also argue that over four nights the rioters reflected the corrupt elite.The looters were opportunistic thieves which puts them in the same category as the greedy bankers and MP’s who abused the expenses. Society needs to change but from what end? The government or the people? Who reflects who?
At this point I think it is extremely important to mention that Lammy topped the list of parliamentary expenses. According to data from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, David Lammy claimed £173,922.06 in 2010-11, more than any of the 449 other MPs in parliament. Bearing in mind that Tottenham/Haringey is one of the most deprived boroughs in London, what does this say about Lammy?
I too agree that those who took part in the riots did so, not out of protest to the death/murder of Duggan, but an over-identification of hopelessness, abandonment, injustice and frustration. The wave of chaos was more than a copycat act. Spreading rapidly like a virus it reminded me of Malcolm Gladwell’s book The Tipping Point where he classified various situations, including riots as "the moment of critical mass, the threshold, and the boiling point”. Numerous factors are taken into consideration to explain sociological and behavioural changes. As a result the riots, in my opinion was a "Tipping Point" moment due to collective identification. A wave of many sheep thinking they were above the law, due to the in action of the law. Instant gains was the goal whilst consequences, morals and values were no where to be seen.
Structured into 9 headings/chapters this book comments on Lammy’s observation on society today, which feels as though this was the route he was heading in before he “Re-focused.” Lammy makes some great points and his ideas overall are good because he has gone deeper to understand the cause behind the symptoms.
There is a chapter called Rights from Wrong and as I finished reading this book I was invited to watch the premiere of Riot from Wrong, a documentary by Fully Focused Productions whose aim was to “Search deeper though listening to the voices that they feel are not being heard”.
The documentary is balanced, insightful, hard hitting, emotional, creative, informative and investigative in a Michael Moore-esqe way. The footage includes interviews with Mark Duggan’s aunt and brother, community activist Stafford Scott and Jason Nwansi, Michael Mansfield QC, David Lammy and views from those who gained (looters) and those who lost (victims). It also includes exclusive footage showing a Rodney King style beating of a 16 year old girl by the police. This documentary is powerful beyond measure and enlightening. The target market is everyone and due to its medium it will reach everyone, which is an important acknowledgement.
Lammy’s book is interesting and this “review” is longer than expected as it lead me to my own thought processes. However inspite of his transparent expressions about his upbringing and society as a whole, I still feel I don’t know who David Lammy is. The person I briefly met and the person who comes to life through the words on the page feel different and I think this is because he is writing as an MP and not as a person who happens to be an MP. Slight, but major difference.
During the riots of 1985, Lammy watched the events unfold on TV at school. He knew what was happening and why, though at that age felt unable to articulate himself and “defend” his area to his peers and friends. He went on to say “A quarter of a century later, I was representing Tottenham for real”. This line made my eyebrow raise again ,as it seems to have a “See I’m down with the kids” tone, which doesn’t sit well. Lammy also makes parallels to this years riots and the Broadwater Farm riots of 1985 and as result I think I should also do the same.
Broadwater Farm Riots 1985
Mark Duggan
Tottenham riots 2011
In 1985 Cynthia Jarrett’s death occurred at the hands of the police which led to the first Tottenham Riots. In 2011 Mark Duggan was killed by the police which led to the summer riots. The difference appears to be the two MP’s immediate responses in the aftermath of the riots. Bernie Grant demonstrated more understanding and empathy of his constituents and the reasons they rioted, whereas David Lammy’s initial televised response did not. It is for this reason that for many Tottenham residents, David Lammy will always be living in the shadow of Tottenham’s former MP the late Bernie Grant.
Whether you think it's right or wrong there is always a reason behind a riot!
David Lammy is an MP who is a Member of the Public and appears passionate about finding positive solutions that benefit not just Tottenham but society as a whole. However in order for this to be effectively communicated he, unfortunately has to unlearn the collective clone-like MP traits that distance and not engage.
The inquiry into Duggan’s death is still ongoing, as is the changing accounts as to what EXACTLY happened. Witnesses are coming forward with new information; looters are being found and charged. Shops are still boarded up and people who lost their homes are still rebuilding. Were the riots triggered by police brutality on a young girl? Tottenham and other areas are not out of the ashes just yet. The title and subheading of this book is very much premature and fuels the opportunistic tone which was my concern at the beginning.
Lammy’s book is interesting as he appears to understand the sociological, environmental and economical factors that contribute to the ills of society. However this seems to be contradicted due to him topping the expenses claimant list. Society is broken and will remain that way if those in power continue to have a disconnection to the people they are there to serve.
Additional Notes:
David Lammy's book is not for profit. All proceeds will go to charities in Tottenham, however these charities are currently unspecified.
Out of the Ashes:Britain after the riots by David Lammy
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Out-Ashes-Britain-after-riots/dp/0852652674/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325520817&sr=1-1
© Lisa Bent 2012
Additional Notes:
David Lammy's book is not for profit. All proceeds will go to charities in Tottenham, however these charities are currently unspecified.
Out of the Ashes:Britain after the riots by David Lammy
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Out-Ashes-Britain-after-riots/dp/0852652674/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325520817&sr=1-1
© Lisa Bent 2012
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