To many these occurrences would be a rather colourful read without
media sensationalism. However, this exhibition of neglect for private property
was conducted by youths, demonstrating a, supposed, moral tear in the fabric
of society. As such, so as to attempt to establish the status quo, the
media proceeded to omit details and greatly dramatised the preceding night’s
events. Propaganda-like articles, to establish a negative rapport between
youths and the community, were used containing such words as riot, and
orgy of destruction. One story claimed that windows of all the dance halls
were smashed - true, although only one dance hall existed and only a few
windows were smashed (Cohen, 1972, pp.32-3; in Goode and Ben-Yehuda, 1994,
p.25). Editorials on youth violence, and interviews featuring Mods and
Rockers ensued (pp.29ff; cited in Goode and Ben-Yehuda, 1994, p.22). This
dramatisation by the media, portraying youths as threats to law and order,
and the safety of the community, created a moral panic in society. That
is, community sensitisation had transpired - the public concern was such
that when any deviation from the norm, by young men or women, arose, the
same “exaggerated and sensationalistic stories were repeated” (Ibid., p.23).
Community sensitisation became significantly apparent the following
year at Clacton. Events or disturbances that were predicted to become a
concern by the police was divulged to and reported by the media. The sensitisation
was illustrated in a local paper whose vignette read, “Seaside Resorts
Prepare for the Hooligans’ Invasion” (Ibid.). On more than one occasion,
fervent police action lead to resistance by a group of youths, leading
to an exchange of blows, resulting in the youths’ arrest. For Cohen, these
events were due to “sensitisation and escalation processes...central to
the public’s reaction to the Mods and Rockers” (1967, p.280; cited in Goode
and Ben-Yehuda, 1994, p.24). All of this merely stemming from the media’s
portrayal of youth as threats to law and order and the safety of the community.