1973: Children are widely viewed as innocent, and an act of violence like that committed by Alan is considered especially perplexing. As Hesther observes of Alan's actions in Equus, even psychiatric professionals "are going to be disgusted by the whole thing."
Today: Rates of violent crime committed by children have skyrocketed in the latter decades of the twentieth century. While the U.S. has been shocked by a rash adolescent violence—notably a series of shootings at schools in 1998—violent crimes by children are less a factor of life in Britain. Through isolated incidents and exposure to international media, however, British society has been made aware of the propensity for violence among troubled youth.
1973: While the Conservative Party controls Parliament, the British Labour party is developing strength and will win important elections in the following year. After.....
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