Why rioters need History.

On a day in which the city of London and elsewhere have been the sites of devastation and the locations of crime and violence, it is clear that the country needs innovation, job creation and better education.

Following the events of last night on the news and Twitter, it became apparent to me that people need better knowledge of history - both in their own localities and about previous riots and revolutions. The rioters and the authorities need to know more about history.

What shocked me the most was the burning of a furniture shop in Croydon. Listening to the owner and the story of the business, being over 140 years old, I was devastated that the looters and arsonists were carrying out such actions. The shop survived both World Wars, the history of the business was incredible and all of that was destroyed in under an hour. What a heartbreaking tragedy.

I just have the feeling that if the people understood more about their local area then people might have a bit more respect for family businesses such as that one in Croydon, as that is their living and their lifestyle. There was no reason why the rioters attacked the store in particular, but if they had known about the story of the place they were torching, would they have continued or gone there in the first place?

Following the eminent historian Dan Snow on Twitter (@thehistoryguy), he was discussing the history of riots - being more prominent in the summer and effective when there is no presence felt. He is completely right and from what I gather apprehended a rioter himself!

If these rioters had better education and knowledge that anarchism and violence has historically not been effective, then they would not be out there attacking and burning property, homes and businesses. I believe that sharing knowledge and history is a long term solution to sorting out the disorder and actions of our young criminals and community projects that bring people together in a positive way are just one way in which these problems can be overcome.

Of course this is not a short term solution and then police and authorities must do all they can to solve the problems right now. I am still looking to set something up in my local area (and was shocked that places near me saw small pockets of copycat crime), and I think that people need to do more to sort out jobs for themselves.

Keep moving London, don't let these idiots break your fantastic spirit!

Jon