No Laughing Matter
© Dougie WallaceWho knew that a few little balloons could cause so much trouble? These innocent-looking canisters of laughing gas have become the focus of a heated debate over morality, public safety, and good old-fashioned fun.
The hand-wringers and pearl-clutches see the balloons as a sign of the moral decay of society, a dangerous gateway drug that will inevitably lead to chaos and destruction. To pander to these traditional Tory voters, the good old government is trying to criminalize laughing gas! How refreshing! Because, you know, it's not like they have anything more important to do. It's not like they need to address the real issues facing the country, such as the pandemic, climate change, or the economy. No, no, no, let's focus on the real threat to society - young people having fun with balloons filled with nitrous oxide.
The government is so quick to dismiss expert opinions, having overturned two reviews and resulting recommendations when it comes to criminalizing nitrous oxide. Why bother with evidence-based policies when you can just go ahead and ban something that's been around for centuries, right? Who cares if criminalizing laughing gas will only create more problems and push young people to buy it from criminal gangs? Let's just ignore the real harm that a criminal record can have on someone's future prospects.
The desire to make up for lost time after months of lockdown has led many young party people to inhale the gas, which induces instant thrills and has become increasingly popular among the 16 to 24-year-old demographic. After cannabis, laughing gas is the most commonly used drug among 16- to 24-year-olds in England. But, it’s already illegal to give or sell either drug. Criminalising possession would cause more damage to a young person’s prospects but would not treat the root cause.
The government's insistence on criminalizing nitrous oxide possession reflects a wider pattern of performative politics, in which the government prioritizes public perception over expert opinion. Let's not forget about the real reason for anti-social behaviour in parks - it's obviously laughing gas and not the fact that the government has been cutting funding for youth services and centres for the past 13 years. No, no, no, it's definitely the balloons that are the problem, not the lack of spaces for young people to socialize and engage in positive activities.
On the streets of Soho, where the real action happens, we have the party people and free spirits who see the balloons as harmless and enjoyable, a way to let off steam and have a good time without causing any harm. In this scenario, the balloons are no more dangerous than a selfie or a tuk-tuk ride, and people should be free to enjoy them as they see fit.
And in the middle of it all, we have the photographer, capturing the chaos and confusion of the Soho scene with a wry smile and a raised eyebrow. After all, who could have predicted that a few little balloons could cause such a fuss? It's almost as if we've forgotten that Soho has been a centre of hedonism and debauchery for centuries and that the balloons are just the latest in a long line of indulgences.
So let the hand-wringers wring their hands, and the party people party on. The truth is that in Soho, anything goes, and anything can happen. And if that means a few balloons floating around, so be it. After all, it's all part of the rich tapestry of life in this vibrant and colourful part of London. It's ironic how the government claims to care about the well-being of young people while ignoring the real issues that affect them. But hey, at least they can say they did something about laughing gas?
As Soho continues to evolve, its streets remain a fertile ground for social documentary. The mix of edginess, sleaze, and high class continues to create a fascinating backdrop for the exploration of the human experience. Let's hope that the government will focus on addressing the root causes of social issues, rather than criminalizing young people for seeking to socialize and have fun. If we criminalized every substance that people used for fun, we'd all be in trouble!
- Dougie Wallace 2023
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