The Who’s to Blame? podcast promises to tackle youth crime in Australia with depth and nuance. However, its narrative feels less like an honest exploration and more like a concerted effort to shift accountability away from systemic failures by the government. Instead, it subtly gaslights the public into bearing responsibility for societal issues largely exacerbated by political self-interest and poorly thought-out policies.
Systemic Issues Ignored
Australia’s lower socioeconomic issues didn’t arise in a vacuum. Decades of self-serving governmental decisions have entrenched disadvantage, yet the podcast glosses over this reality. It often places blame on the “community” without adequately addressing how government policies—and their alliances with certain organisations—have contributed to the erosion of our societal fabric. For example, funding initiatives that partner with extremist-linked charities have undermined traditional Australian culture and values, further fracturing communities.
Misplaced Blame and Gaslighting
Some of the podcast’s commentary feels like gaslighting. By implying that the public’s lack of inclusivity is to blame for social fragmentation, it disregards the complex challenges posed by immigration and integration. Cultural practices that discourage assimilation—such as restrictions on women’s interactions or participation in broader society—are brushed aside, while the podcast pushes a narrative of community failure. Inclusivity cannot be a one-way street, yet this reality is ignored in favour of idealised notions that deny lived experiences.
Youth Crime and Exploited Loopholes
The podcast also fails to acknowledge how legislative leniency has created opportunities for exploitation. In Melbourne, Middle Eastern crime syndicates are reportedly paying teenagers to commit violent acts, such as bombing tobacconist venues. These syndicates have taken advantage of weak youth justice laws, which were ostensibly designed to offer second chances but are now being manipulated by organised crime.
A Broader Security Concern
Victoria has become a focal point for Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) programs, with the state running more initiatives than anywhere else in Australia. Between 2005 and 2021, Victoria Police identified 11 terrorist attacks, while the Global Terrorism Database recorded 39 incidents across the country. Shockingly, Australia accounted for 28.2% of global terrorism incidents during this period—an alarming statistic for a country previously considered relatively secure.
This context underscores the gravity of the threats we face, yet Who’s to Blame? sidesteps these pressing issues. Instead, it prioritises a superficial narrative of community blame, ignoring the deeper systemic and policy failures that have allowed these problems to fester.
Final Thoughts
While Who’s to Blame? claims to dig deep into youth crime, it falls short of offering an honest assessment. Instead of fostering genuine dialogue, it perpetuates a divisive and unbalanced narrative that does little to address the root causes of the issues it purports to explore. True community cohesion cannot be built on denial, deflection, and misplaced blame.
Bonkers and anyone that buys this is just as brainwashed as the next commy!
