To: Electronic Telegraph <et.letters@telegraph.co.uk>

Re: This culture of violence

Date: Tue, 17 April 2001

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Dear Sir/Madam,

While finding Theodore Dalrymple's commentary in Tuesday's Opinion and Comment very interesting, informative and insightful, I disagree with his explanation of youth violence being a product of the 1960s "liberation" (Why Asians have adopted this culture of violence, 17 April 2001).

I suggest that it is far more a product of alienation in a world driven by "economic necessity", rather than by people's genuine individual and social needs; and by media, film and advertising industries providing role models and instilling aspirations that are misguided if not downright corrupt, and which for many young people can only lead to deep frustration or despair.

If you do not happen to be particularly intelligent or skilful, and do not have wealthy parents, what are you worth in a society in which success is measured in dollars or pounds sterling?

And added to that, when they not only see, but have rubbed into their noses every day, the exploits of the "successful" and the grossly unjust differences in wealth and reward that exist in our society, it is no wonder that so many turn to crime and violence.

While many who could be setting a good example, instead are busy defending their privileges, counting their money, and lamenting the deterioration of morals and social responsibility in today's youth.