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UK Police with Machine guns

steve | 06.07.2003 22:04 | Anti-militarism | Globalisation | Repression | Sheffield

Symbolic use of police with machine guns

policeman inside the US base Menwith Hill on July 4th 2003
policeman inside the US base Menwith Hill on July 4th 2003

different gun
different gun


The police with machine guns are there for symbolic use only. If they were really serious about using them far more police would have had them not just the two or so spotted by the main gate. And they wouldn't have had them out parading them for all and sundry to see when there was nothing happening except music and dancing.

The symbol of a policeman with a machine gun is saying, "Come inside and we will kill you". It's straightforward scare tactics. Unfortunately the symbol loses its power once one sees the whole thing is just a bluff.

But there are other, subliminal, interpretations. Like: "Look we know you're not into violence, we know you've got no weapons, we know you're all wearing fancy dress and we're protected by miles of fencing and razor wire and cameras. But please understand we are still completely shit scared of you. We need these guns to make us feel safe."

The two guns photographed here appear to be of different types.

steve

Comments

Display the following 19 comments

  1. Well - it's a message — dh
  2. yes! everyday at the airport — paul
  3. err no — Enforcer
  4. Deadly Force against protesters — Aim Here
  5. are you sure? — Ernest
  6. Enforcer's bought into the crap — dh
  7. Think b4 u speak — oi!
  8. understanding creates bridges — George W bush's arrsehole
  9. SA80? — Mick2
  10. response — Enforcer
  11. know your history — enlighener
  12. and? — Enforcer
  13. whats this? — Ernest
  14. ANaL? — Cat
  15. Re: SA80? — bob
  16. RE SA80 — Trojan 500
  17. The second picture down - SA80 (L85A1) — Official Secrets Act- Not Allowed To Say
  18. brought at DSEI arms fair! — .
  19. rifles, explained — annon!