My Music

On our training courses we like to play music … for all sorts of reasons that I don’t want to go into here. Recently, one of my colleagues, John Edmonds, sent me this email:

Hi Patrick

This article explains the absence of young people on your courses! ...

London Underground (LU) has taken the unusual step of pumping out classical
music in tube stations to combat the growing problem of loitering teenagers. Keen to curtail troublesome anti-social behaviour at 35 stations on the District, East London, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines, tube bosses are striking back with Pavarotti, Vivaldi and Mozart, The Guardian reported.
They are hoping that endless recordings of "uncool" music will persuade
teenage miscreants to go away.

The move comes as a result of a successful trial at four east London
stations prompting a 33% drop in abuse against staff, announced LU's
maintenance contractor Metronet.

An LU spokesperson said: "This is aimed at youths, mainly young teenagers
who hang about at stations. The science seems to be that the music is
unfamiliar to them and also that it's considered uncool."

Stations in east London have been especially prone to ticket touting and minor vandalism, whilst youths have been spotted throwing stones at oncoming
trains on parts of the overground network have, LU said.

Adrian North, a psychologist at Leicester University, said there was
evidence from nightclubs, doctors' surgeries and dentists' waiting rooms
that playing calming music could have a positive impact on behaviour.

I’ve learned not to expect any appreciation for my taste in music. 

Comments

[Jane Penson]

I was amused at the idea of scaring off teenagers with uncool music. I don't know about Vivaldi though - try some folk fiddle! My own youngsters take to their heels in terror from Steeleye Span and Dave Swarbrick!
(Robin has just initiated me into the blogosphere and put me onto yours)
all the best, Jane

[Patrick]

Yes, Jane. I must get out my 'Cropredy Capers' boxed set to ward them off.
I think it was William Gibson, though, in his book, "Neuromancer", who wrote, "Don't let the bastards generation-gap you."