In today’s society, British Muslim youth find themselves increasingly drawn to the allure of materialism and instant gratification, often by any means necessary. One stark example of this trend can be seen in the popular Netflix series, Top Boy, where characters chase wealth, power, and status. In this article, we explore the concerning impact of materialism on British Muslim youth and the urgent need for a cultural shift.
A few years ago, while passing by a playground in Stepney Green, I overheard a group of students engaged in playful banter during a PE class. One of them referred to his friend as “Dushane,” a character from Top Boy. This encounter led me to delve into the world of this British crime drama series set on the fictional Summerhouse estate in Hackney, London.
After watching all five seasons, including its Channel 4 predecessor, I was captivated by the gripping portrayal of rival drug gangs on the gritty streets of London. However, it also prompted me to reflect on the toxic culture thriving in the shadows of crime-infested neighborhoods.
For decades, experts in criminology, politics, and youth work have sought to understand why many British youth become entangled in criminal activities. One significant factor is the prevalence of unstable families. Recent research has revealed that 23% of UK families are headed by single parents, and 44% of individuals under 21 have not lived with both parents during their childhood. Such family breakdowns contribute to emotional detachment, neglect, abuse, and domestic violence, all of which increase the likelihood of gang involvement.
Education funding is another crucial aspect in addressing the surge in gang activity. Studies consistently show an inverse relationship between education and crime rates. The reduction in school funding and central government grants to local authorities, exacerbated by austerity measures, has led to a decline in extracurricular activities, such as youth clubs, and an increase in young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET). This situation hampers employment prospects, perpetuating the cycle of gang violence.
Moreover, the nexus between mental health issues and juvenile offenses is becoming more apparent, with a growing number of youths with mental health disorders entering the criminal justice system. These interconnected social issues paint a bleak picture of a society failing in various aspects of human well-being.
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Materialism plays a subtle yet significant role in this multifaceted problem. According to experts like Louise Shelley and Robert K. Merton, the pursuit of sensual pleasure and material gain serves as a driving force for criminal networks. Modern societies, including the UK, promote the pursuit of wealth and consumption as the ultimate markers of success. Mass media inundates children with messages that equate ownership and consumption with happiness, fostering a culture of materialism. This culture glamorizes the pursuit of status symbols and often neglects the value of hard work and perseverance.
In today’s society, where children are bombarded with materialistic messages from a young age, some inevitably chase these symbols of success without regard for legality or the culturally accepted means of achievement. This phenomenon reflects an existential mindset wherein individuals believe their worth is determined solely by their possessions.
The Muslim community in the UK, particularly in areas like Tower Hamlets with a substantial Muslim population, must address this social epidemic. Mosques, families, and support networks should nurture youth to aspire beyond compulsive consumerism, instilling a mindset that equates success with earning the pleasure of Allah SWT. In a society that places a premium on self-gratification and individual autonomy, instilling an akhira-centric worldview can serve as a potent antidote to the destructive lure of materialism.
Through parenting, dawah, and outreach efforts, Muslim children can be guided towards pursuing a more profound sense of fulfillment, one that goes beyond the shallow pursuit of material possessions. It is essential to communicate that true success is not about “Keeping up with the Joneses.”
Unfortunately, a significant number of British youth are ensnared in the culture of materialism, fueling a violent race for wealth, power, and status. Without a shift in societal values that prioritize contentment over materialism, the relentless pursuit of becoming the “Top Boy” will persist, leaving behind a trail of suffering and destruction. It is incumbent upon us to offer a more fulfilling vision of human flourishing for the next generation.
