So, WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?!! (Ross Kemps documentary) | robinloves's Blog

I have a new found respect for Ross Kemp. I never quite knew what to make of him before, as I only ever viewed him as just another wannabe TV thug. I recently stumbled across a documentary he carried out in Jamaica - titled Gang Nation. Although I’ve seen clips of this documentary before, it’s as though I’m seeing him with new eyes, I see more depth to his character then what was portrayed on the TV soap, I now see what they saw in Ross Kempt to have casted him for his on screen role. On the BBC1 soap Eastenders, we know him to go by the name Grant Mitchell. In the four nights a week episode he was a well known thug to the square, along side his still on screen brother Phil Mitchell, Grant was fearless and was to be feared. The duos were the ultimate bullies on the square with a soft centre for their mother – Peggy, and the ladies!! Boy did he have his day!

As I stumbled across the Gang Nation documentary, my new found respect comes from seeing his bravery, guts, and to some degree – his interest! He pushes the boundaries and delves into a system that is unwelcoming to outsiders. I’m aware of the intimidation that comes from going into Jamaican garrisons, Ross Kemp faces the un-known fear head on (with the support and constant presents of his camera crew – obviously). He speaks with gangsters, police officers and handles weaponry. He attempts to get to the heart of the war situation in Jamaica’s Capital “Kingston”, knowing that at any moment he could be put into grave danger. I wouldn’t say I’d personally feel comfortable going into a violent society where in 2006 it became the murder capital of the world, with a statistic that one person is killed every six hours to asking questions, so Ross Kemp - has balls!!

On his first meeting he met with police in down town Kingston (the building was riddled with bullets), there he was informed of a man who was on the run form the police, for killing three men, one included a police officer. Ross Kemp later in the show met a Don from one of Jamaicas garrisons; he asked the 24 year old “Why do you think it’s a violent society?” The Don replied “Oh gosh! You know, sometimes that puzzles me too. But I have a suggestion to make, the guys that make the movies have a lot to do with why people take up this kind of life, everybody wants to be a movie star.” (Now do you see yet again the effects of TV and how influential it is on the sensitive mind?) The Don then continues to say “I think from my point of view the majority of the people in the world are gangsters, I think the police are gangers, the prime ministers are gangsters - they’re high-level gangsters. It’s the same thing we do; it’s just that they are legal to do it.” (Isn’t that some shit?!) By the time Ross Kemps journey came to an end in Jamaica’s capital “Kingston”, the most wanted man was found – he was shot dead by the police! He was 23. They say if you’re a gangster in Jamaica – you’re lucky to reach the age of 25!

These are all heart breaking facts; the gangs have lost purpose as to why they fight one another, other then to defend their patch. What will it take for this cycle to end? Ross Kemp brought further insight to the war that currently still exists. He states without change to the government and the infrastructure to the garrison towns the level of violence will only increase.

Thank you to Ross Kemp and his team, for showing courage and bravery - WOW, well done!  

My mood: somewhat impressed