'Hoodies' - do they exist?

[scirocco265]

Is the problem with 'Hoodies' as bad as the media makes out? Are all teenagers running around with guns, knives and crack pipes? Or are hoodies just kids hanging about on street corners because they've got nowhere better to go? And if it's the former, what's the solution? Is the country going to pot? ('scuse the pun...)

Open to the PH-ers to open my eyes one way or another.

[Jasandjules]

In some areas of the country yes. And they hang around in fairly large groups as well.

Solution? It's a tricky one. I think if we had severe punishments for the crimes against the person then we might see an answer. I worry about stopping kids meeting up etc. because I think that is too close to a totalitarian state. I'd rather severely punish those who actually commit offences than punish those who have not been convicted of one.

[Defcon5]

The latter in my experience

[toxgobbler]

Half of it's boredom I suspect, all the things we used to do when young are now outlawed by H&S or regulated so it's no fun at all anymore and the Devil finds work for idle hands.

[Deluded]

But it has nothing to do with them "having nothing to do". We (or should I say I) had far less to do than the kids do these days. Councils build parks, skate parks, run social clubs, discos etc, yet they still hang around on corners and harass people.

Its nothing to do with that they have nothing to do.

[elster]

Most of the "hoodies" as described are usually just teen kids hanging about. A bit like most kids did when they were kids, except it is just assumed they are thugs.

There was a journalist I remember hearing or reading saying that a kid wearing a hoody once crossed over the road from being on the same side as her. So she goes over and asks why. His response is because he didn't want her to be thinking he was going to rape/attack her and cause him problems.

I think this is a fair point, there are a few who will be thugs. Many in my experience are just ordinary kids, with nowhere to go and nothing to do.

[Z06George]

Never known them to cause too much trouble round here, but I think people are scared of them because if I have my hood up when I wear one everyone stays away, crosses the road etc. I don't look intimedating either.

[ClintonB]

Living in a less than wonderful area and having worked in several very less than wonderful areas, yes they do.

This whole boredom thing can be a bit of a misnomer. When I were a teenage lad, yes I occasionally had a few beers, but I and those I was with were very keen to hide away and not cause any issue while doing it. Now, swaggering around the streets on school hollybobs with your joint (or something else) & your Tuesday night crate/bottles of trampagne is very much the starting point.
The thing to realise is that your average Hoodie has very little to give a rats ass about and even less to stop him/her doing a whole lot more. Once you're in, what's the point of trying? Benefits, beer/drug money & an occasional slap on the wrists for a little while - where's the incentive to stop/change? It takes effort and probably won't lead to anything other than minimum wage anyway.

[sebhaque]

IMO there's way too much stigma about teenagers these days. Even on here I get called out because of my age (ok my chavvy car and chavvy mates don't help), and it's difficult to be taken seriously when you're just a kid. There are quite a few bad apples in the age group, but every time I've seen someone in a tracksuit try and help an older person there's always an initial WTF moment. I'm not a tracksuit wearer but the media tend to make out that anybody under 25 is a drunken lout with no future and worthless to society. bds.

Sorry for the rant in disguise - it's irritating on our front though.

[slomax]

In my honest opinion the youths that hang around on street corners and parks at night are out because they don't want to be at home. Nagging/arguing parents maybe, they're just fed up and want to get out. Yes, there are clubs and stuff to go to, but it is much more desirable to hang around with mates and have a can or bottle in your hand, especially if your under age. I think they are referred to as hoodies as it's actually pretty chilly at night and hoodies are quite warm and keep your ears and head warm. Obviously, there are a few friendship groups that have been infiltrated by older figures, wanting to make money or just seem more rebellious, which is "cool", getting into their minds and drinking excessively, doing drugs, and other illegal activities. These aren't as common as the media makes out but they definitely are out there.

[deevlash]

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