10.09.2006
British TV documentaries. The Damilola killers.
There are so many documentaries, like dispatches, that uncover terrible things in our society and within institutions. Massive corruption, indifference and suffering. Yes we watch the programs and think oh how awful. The perpetrators at the end of the program apologise for whatever major flaw was revealed usually with some written statement, and the media scope moves on. All is forgotton within a few weeks. Maybe that spied-on individual institution is given a sharp kick, but I bet they gradually return to how shit it was originally. The media got what it wanted: good viewing figures – we all love controversy. Of course there is passion in the media too but with weak government and a highly tolerant society (the people) not a lot really fucking happens that is gonna make a significant difference. Too many factors. The Japanese film 'Ikiru' speaks so much.
Onto some recent news: The Damilola killers, Danny and Rickie Preddie, got a pretty pathetic sentence today. The Judge spoke of how they showed no regret or remorse. One of them showed defiance. Mr Taylor, the father of Damilola, said: "From the outset this case has been a catalogue of failures - failure by the system to keep young people in school and off the streets, failure to prevent them from committing crime and failure by their mentors to give good direction and failure by the authorities to catch them sooner."
The jury heard they had convictions for robbery, some at knifepoint, and witnesses claimed the brothers had confessed to the killing some time ago. DNA evidence got them in the end. The BBC believes they may be out after just 3 years of youth custody. How can this be so? It is truly unbelievable and I feel so sorry for the dignified parents who have waited so long for so little.
May Danny and Rickie Preddie fall on spikes.
