I think the Chavs/Neds/Pikeys etc can be traced back to the late 1980's. They are the offspring of those that were in their formative years during the Thatcher era. The Chavs parents were probably about 13 in 1982, meaning that the Chavs were born in about 1987, making the bulk of them about 18 now, which I would say on average is about right.
It was during Thatcherism that the community ideals, which were the cornerstone of 1970's life were eroded. The reasons for this are complex, but it led to a chaotic fragmentation of society, leaving many people unable to embrace what I would call old fashioned values. Major's government, while different in tone to Thatcher's did nothing to address this lost generation and by the time Blair took power it was too late anyway. Had Blair followed a radical Social Democratic philosophy, which the country needed it might have at least redressed some of the problems fostered in the previous 15 years.
I would like to see the following radical policies adopted by the next government:
1. Anyone caught drinking and driving should receive an instant life driving ban. No warning. Finished.
2. The worst antisocial behaviour, i.e. twocking, arson, serious vandalism etc. Should be punished by an hour in the stocks, where the populace can throw rotten vegetables etc. This has the advantage over custodial sentences and the birch, as it is humiliating without being barbaric and would not make confer upon the culprits 'hero status'.
3. All children should receive a lesson in 'human diversity' from the age of ten to dispel the myth of race.
4. Chocolate would be free.
This has been a party political broadcast by the Bounty Party.
Cue... 'Jerusalem'
