Goths vs. Charvers -- Same Old Thing

Youth tribes are part of growing up in Britain. Teds, Rockers, Mods, Hippies, Rude-boys, Rastas, Skin-heads, Punks. Different ways of dressing in an effort to shock the middle-aged, find a little identity of one's own, and possible impress a member of the opposite sex. Mostly, its harmless fun, right before adult responsibility kicks and the boss wants you in early on Monday dressed "appropriately." But sometimes, there's the odd bit of violence.

The most recent bit of teenage stupidity occurred in Newcastle between Goths and Charvers (also spelled "Chavas" by the press). The Goths dress in black mostly (think the Damned's David Vanian circa 1979) and prefer the Cure, the Mission and perhaps some Bauhaus when feeling nostalgic. The Charvers opt for mostly designer labels and sporty clothes (think American jock, hip-hop wannabes) and haven't sussed out a decent musical pose as yet.

Last week, a 17-year-old named Mark Burdis (Goth) had a flammable liquid dumped on him by persons as yet unapprehended (Charvers, one is led to believe) resulting in some nasty burns when they set him alight. Young Mark made it to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary where he is recovering. This follows a fight in the towns Old Eldon Square where teens traditionally hang out involving about 20 kids, Goth and Charver.

Newcastle's Evening Chronicle has run the story , and it can be reviewed at http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/eveningchronicle/. The paper has also appealed for calm, suggesting that reprisal attacks, while tempting, must be avoided. One hopes so. It's tough enough growing up in Newcastle. This sort of thing, unfortunately, will keep happening so long as there are teenagers, because some people are just congenital morons and no amount of policing, community involvement and counsel can cure that. Get well Mark.


© Copyright 2003 by The Kensington Review, J. Myhre, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent.


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