17:00:00 +07:00 France riots: 'For the politicians we are nothing' - I've been reading some of the flow of news from the french riots coverage these past few days. It's such a complicated situation. I stand alongside the marginalised, it's crushing to hear that the youth have no prospects, that society has stratisfied. I spent a long time growing up in Belgium which had problems of a similar vibe, so I really feel for the communities. When I moved back to the UK, in London I experienced the british equivalent, first at a distance, then living in Hackney and Whitechappel. Though I very literally feel sad about it, I'm hopeful because I've also experienced what it's like when it works, moments when the communities were well integrated, when we were together, some incredibly magical moments. I think we can overcome the troubles, let's continue to make increadible art about the sometimes difficult realities, that's how we get through this together. We did it in the UK in the 80s with punk rock breaking through a horribly stratosphered society, then reaggae, ska, and later electronic music. Even if you aren't a fan of those genres, think of the importance of integrating the communities for the youth. That's what art does, it finds a way to bring us together. And we can do it again in whatever way we'll find this time. Having said that these past few years I've travelled the world and I've also experienced some bad things, so I know it's not all optimism, there are real concerns on all sides. Here in Vietnam it's an odd mix, because of the history of both french and english speaking influence, but also they have their own generational challenges, combined with relatively recent memories of war. Anyway, we need more innovation, more art, more building things together, and we need to grow the pie for everyone. # www.bbc.com