Ill Manors (Song)

Youths are represented as scum in these lyrics. They are like a species you can go and look at but they are stuck in that situation. They have all the bad qualities that people expect of them. However, Ben Drew only encodes this message, as he is only saying it in a satirical sense because he knows that not everyone is like that and he ahs been in that situation before. He has digs at the government and argues that they are to blame for these situations, 'there's no such thing as Broken Britain, we're just bloody broke in Britain'. He adds links to other songs which might attract older generations to listen to the lyrics of the song. He humour within this song is whitty and very matter-of-fact as he tries to reveal the real feelings behind the youhts of today.
The visuals of the song back up the stereotypical portrayal of youths and gangs. It is filmed in slummy urban areas with no new building projects, 'they preserve our natural habitat' and they're wearing hoodies and face scares to hide their identity. It shows them smoking and drinking, and involved in violence and vandalism. It also shows some original footage from the London Riots. On the other hand it shows figures of authority abusing their power eg. policemen attacking individuals and members of parliament snapping at the public, 'what you looking at you little rich boy?'.
This video fuels negative representation of youth collective identity but in a sarcastic, satirical way. Plan B takes the mick out of the government and media representations of youths and plays up to the expectations in the music video. However, at the same time, the lyrics and images in the song attempt to challenge these negative views by mocking them. In the video the youngsters are seen smoking, drinking, vandalising and partaking in violent behaviour; the typical acts assumed by other classes. There are some scenes showing authority abusing their power such as a group of policemen taking down one youth, or members of the government reaching breaking point and snapping at members of the public. Plan B was trying to challenge people's stereotype of youngsters ironically by living up to the expectaions people have given them. Plan B hopes to raise awareness of the harsh treatment given by different social groups towards the underclass and youths. By making this song he also wants to create inspiration for the people in these situations to try to make their lives better than what they are now.