Following on from the disturbances experienced in several cities in England, it can be very easy to exhibit a knee-jerk reaction to such an unprecedented level of violence. However, I do feel that we each need to check our responses and the underlying intention, on the basis of our core values. These will then act as a mirror for me to consider what are both the short and long term consequences of my actions? I must be cautious of becoming myopic.
As has been mentioned before in this blog, a prison governor colleague, when debriefing his staff in relation to any punishment to be imposed for misdeeds within the prison, will always encourage his staff to ask themselves, ‘Is this punishment for the benefit of the offender or is it to benefit the officer, i.e. ones ego?’
The violence is, without question, wrong. Appropriate punishment is a necessity.
So what is the way forward? There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. There are already many approaches that are out there that, while perhaps not at a national level, nevertheless contribute significantly towards a 'healing' of the individual and the community. While they tackle/address a wide variety of issues, it is the underlying attitudes that are perhaps the key to their success. While not specifically stated, I suggest that those who work within these organisations demonstrate one or more of the key qualities of (i) respect and equality within diversity, (ii) leadership through example and (iii) the practice of humility.
If you believe the statement that 'if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem' then that would suggest that not to personally embrace any one of these core approaches, will contribute to the breakdown of our communities and society.
That sounds to be a very strong statement! However, the future begins not with the politicians or the authorities. The future begins with .... my self.
