Thoughts on the London Riots:

Things are very unsettled here in the UK. There are concerns about increased criminality and immorality amongst the young, urban, and poor. There are cries for social cuts to stop so that education programs and aid can prevent youth gangs and violence. The Prime Minister believes that the riots have nothing to do with the increased division between the rich and poor, citing that the actions are simply criminal and have no underlying societal or cultural cause. And yet he calls for parental control, increased police action in gang neighborhoods, more discipline in schools, and states that these people are from broken families. There is confusion. There is no simple answer. There is sadness.

The British are in the process of a period of intense self-examination as a result of this destruction. Questions of society, culture, funding, support, weapons, and home-life are all on the table. There is worry about the world's perception in the wake of next years' Olympics. And in the midst of it all I have to wonder, is this symptomatic of all the pain, strife, and stress that is happening in various forms all over the world right now?

I don't know. I am a student of history with a deeply sensitive human soul. I feel deep distress at the violence, the breakdown of societal rules, and the punishment of those who have done nothing to anger the participants. Their reaction is completely and utterly wrong. And yet I have to wonder about a world in which teenage girls who are participating in these riots can proudly tell a reporter that their choice to steal and destruct is because they want the government and the rich and the police to know that they can do what they want. The words are naive, but the sentiment is powerful. They want to be noticed. They don't want to be forgotten.

In my years abroad I've increasingly felt that individualism is one of the greatest foundation stones of western powers, and yet is also western society's greatest enemy. Selfishness is rampant in the world. People think of themselves before they think of others. They forget that others do not and can not lead the same lives that they do. We are not all dealt the same hand. We do not grow up with the same parents, in the same safe places, with the same good teachers. I am so, so, so lucky. I am completely and unreservedly blessed. And so, when poor teenagers in an urban environment cause chaos and evil I am disgusted. They are wrong. Their actions should be punished. But also, I am sad. I think it is important to ask what led these young people to a place in which they felt it ok to act in this way? From where does their anger stem? Why do they express it this way? And what can we do to prevent it in future?

I see an echo in America (and this is not just me, as the Prime Minister has just made a comparison in his discussion of the riots). I am deeply distressed by the political antics in Congress that have seen our elected representatives play games for their political extremes rather than considering those of us in the middle who are the pawns of their indecision and arguments. It is shameful. We are a culture of ideology and individualism that forgets about reality and the whole. I do not understand why, despite my ability to historically trace the evolution of the American spirit. Let me say this, I love my country. I am proud to be from the US and I unashamedly claim my identity abroad. But what I see in America and in Britain presently has me concerned.

The world is suffering. In so many ways. I cannot begin to do justice to the problems and pain that others outside the West have to suffer daily. But at home, where we are lucky, we are still angry, entitled, and selfish. This is, of course, not universally true (and we are not all lucky). But I think it's increasingly obvious and it leads us to argue and fight without helping those who need the help most in our own society. I could argue myself about funding and spending and taxes, but that's not really my point. I suppose for me it's about understanding and openness. About an ability to listen and act in ways that support the whole in addition to ourselves and our families. I know this is not simple. But it is how we began. And it is how we've been taught by Christ. To forget this is to lose ourselves and lose those who need us most to feel that they too are important parts of our society.

I pray that those responsible in these riots will take their punishment seriously. I pray that the police and community workers will continue to be supported and applauded for their work and valor. I pray that our leaders will learn to consider the whole and make decisions that are for the good of our society so that we may continue to flourish and help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. I pray that we will all develop and maintain an ability to listen, to empathize, and to love. Kindness and love are missing, and that breaks my heart.

Love to all,
Elizabeth