My Tram Experience: Racism vs the people

The appalling and shocking views of the woman on the Croydon tramlink have led to controversy over the past week.

The viral video received thousands of hits after being uploaded and rose to prevalence through the trending and sharing of social network users. In a whirlwind domino effect, widespread news outlet took a hold of the piece, broadcast the video, slammed the mother and police were informed.

Now, 34 year old Emma West, whose views about immigrants were extremely racist to say the least, is in police custody and awaiting a trial for her foul and abusive language used to attack other innocent passengers on the rush hour London tram service.

West has been remanded in custody until Tuesday December 6^th, but her comments are much more the subject of debate than the sentencing.

The difficulty of the hearing hangs on the crux of freedom of speech. Whilst I by no means condone the harsh opinions of Ms West (following my own viewing of the video, I sat in a stunned silence for some time), her words are surely safeguarded under human rights acts. Freedom of speech and of opinion are constitutional requirements in this country and it in order to maintain such standards, it would appear the case should be laughed out of court.

And here, the phrase is quite hurtful. Because why should such a case be laughed out of court? In moves to avoid dictatorship, it would be in the interest of all peoples to be able to speak freely without consequence.

However, no law goes untested and restrictions need ensure that freedom is managed and controlled: otherwise, we would all be at liberty to abuse other members of society: and such fragmenting is all too reminiscent of the August riots across the country.

Indeed, Ms West’s misunderstanding and lack of prowess regarding those of foreign origins is probably much more widespread than we would care to admit and the views of racial superiority that were once commonplace are certainly subsurface factors in tensions between different groups.

Of course, there comes a point where such tensions boil over and not only were Ms West’s allegations proof of this, but the fellow passenger who was quickly aggravated by her onslaught adds to our comprehension of the problem. Thankfully, another commuter calmed the retaliator with some speed: for otherwise, the focus of the video may have been overshadowed by a supposedly unprovoked violent attack.

Balancing public protection and freedom of speech comes with a fine line. However, due to the incompatibility of the two, it is common that free speech come first, lest further action and civil unrest take place.

Yet this only leaves malcontent to breed. Won’t somebody please think of the children? One of the more distressing aspects of the video for myself was watching the toddler sat on Ms West’s knees, apparently oblivious to the shouting mother. Either oblivious, or numb to its consistency as a feature in his life. Hopefully, the child is being placed with other family members in order to ensure a much more rounded and happier youth – the difficulties in impoverished London boroughs are known all too well by any city residents.

However, what next for Ms West? Rehabilitation of sorts? Counselling? Social service intervention? Whatever a judge determines is satisfactory course of action to educate the woman of a proper sense of community… even if that is just to keep xenophobic comments to oneself on the public tram.

Nonetheless, this uncomfortable experience is the most daily and frequent occurrence of casual racism. For ‘unlucky’ Emma West, one fast-thinking commuter recorder her, thousands of other people brand and scorn without a comeuppance.

More, do we judge without knowing the facts? Had Ms West had an unfortunate incident with some person of foreign origins herself? Was she drunk or drugged? Is she recently bereaved? Or was it simply a bad day?

Our understanding of such people is key for social unity. Otherwise, we risk widespread riots on repeat. Of all the reasons suggested for the summer riots, this is but one of a never ending list of possibilities. 

Liberation in Libya?

After a climatic six months, the final usurping of Colonel Gaddafi is hailed as the liberation of Libya. 

However, such a statement need be reserved for a time when the country has resumed a state of normality and stability. Whilst the shift of control is something to most certainly be celebrated, the country remains terribly fragile, with continued reports of fighting, gunfire and protests.

With a stint in charge that now spans six decades, Col Gaddafi has seen his leadership through a great many tumultuous situations. Resurgent and dwindling support extremities often characterised his period as head of state. Continued change in political support has ensured that there has never been adequate reflection of public sentiment over this period.

Now, with the rebel forces taking over administration of the African territory that has dominated news in 2011, there is a fear that this pent up frustration will out.

Key concerns include supply chains for medicines and foodstocks, power facilities, communications and, inevitably, law and order.

For example, with hotspots of violence being persistent across the country, there are more walking wounded than is normally anticipated for Libya. Add to this that the fighting targets and damages public places like hospitals and consequently there is little support. Moreover, with increasing power problems, hospitals would be unable to sustain proper standards of support.

A damaged hospital in Zawiyah.

This is but one example of how this conglomerate of issues corresponds to a growing concern for the area.

As Geoff Loane, the head of mission for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) pointed out: "The absolute priority is that security is provided, as required for a big urban sprawl. As we saw in England, it's very easy to destabilise urban environments."

When looking over Gaddafi’s legacy, it need be remembered that for many of the population, he has been their only leader. Now there is free reign for fresh ideas and control.

Scenes of celebration - Too early?

Almost instantly, Libyan interim leaders have rejected UN military aid to keep control. At first glance, this appears the founding steps toward a new era of forced control. Where there is army control, it is often synonymous that there is no free government. That this should be a considered option is to cause great fear for many who have strived for freedom.

Yet, the force would be independently led. Elsewhere in the African domain, recent coups have seen armed forces successful manage to maintain peace in Egypt as it continues through its own revolution.

Moreover, when in desperate need for stability, a military force is indeed a ‘strong’ option. There has been no clear cut succession regime, particularly considering the fact that Gaddafi has not publically surrendered. In fact at time of writing, representatives for the dictator have rejected the proposed ultimatum to surrender, saying: “No dignified honourable nation would accept an ultimatum from armed gangs.” 

However, since this was never declared a war, civil or otherwise, there is a great desire to avoid such a position; and perhaps being seen to accept such a form of aid would be understood as many living within Libya as an admission of combat. Yet with restricted supplies and a resilient (if not absent) leadership, it is predicted that the problems could yet escalate further. 

Therefore, with no new figurehead or group claiming control, there is a vacuum that could potentially be filled by extremists or those inadequate to lead. With power remaining vulnerable across the state, there is chance for history to repeat itself.

Checkpoints are controlled by rebels, without a central law enforcement.

It is hoped that the release of 1.86 billion dinars in aid will ease the transition and form bridges between Europe and the African nation. But with port authorities and oil firms still blocked and various European countries remaining dubious until there is proof of development, it could be some time before Libya’s problems are resolved.

Hopefully, they will not span another 42 years. But who knows where absolution will come from?...