Some years ago I read an extremely plausible explanation of how World War Two could be attributed to Hitler’s relationship with his father.

With this in mind, I take the argument that nations which cherish a traditional glorification of war will subconsciously nurture inherent violent attitudes that will erupt from time to time.

Since the conception of the teenager, young people have followed fashion, clothes, music and choice of weapon: the long forgotten teddy boys’ cut-throat razors and later the bovver boys’ notorious boots.

The current use of knives is simply a continuation of trend which will remain with us until it becomes unfashionable, but we have many examples of continuing organised violence against the community.

Mods v rockers, football violence, racial attacks and state violence.

Outbursts of extreme violence and unrest often run parallel with nations being hyped up for war and or times of economic uncertainty.

Communal violence is not the problem, it is a symptom of a much bigger problem.

Bob Chapman
Ferrymead
Canvey