2 March
Joe Geeling, 11 went missing on his way home from school in Manchester. His body was found a day later in Whitehead Park in Bury. Post mortem showed he died of multiple stab wounds. A 14-year-old boy has confessed to the murder and is awaiting trial in October.
29 January
Simon Grignon,
26, was fatally wounded outside
a night club in Derby city centre. A 23-year-old man has been charged with his murder.
 Masculinity defines the performance of a male gender associated with other males |
Knives - Moving from masculine culture to teenage trend Carrying a knife has been a part of masculine culture since the dawn of civilization. Knives have been used by man both as a tool and a weapon, and as a way to show status among other men in society. In the last three decades knife possession and knife crimes have increased dramatically, especially in neighbourhoods with high levels of deprivation and social exclusion. Knife-carrying is also becoming more common among young people as a recent survey by the Youth Justice Board revealed. |
The survey found about 30 per cent of young people between the ages of 11 and 19 carry a knife. Most of them occasionally, but some habitually.
Sgt Andy Cutler of the Bournemouth police says there are concerns about the number of young people carrying knives, especially as youths between the ages of 12 and 20 are more likely to be both offenders and victims of knife crime.
However, we seldom hear discussions in the media why so many young people feel the need to carry knives.
Kevin Everard of the Be Safe project says many youngsters carry knives because they are scared, either of their neighbourhood or finding themselves in a situation where they may be threatened.
The high profile media coverage of knife crimes has raised public awareness about the problems associated with knife culture in Britain and most people feel it is getting out of hand and urgent tough action is needed before it gets out of control.