Much of the talk about law and order suggests that disorder ended in the mid- to late-19th century and that social harmony and stability endured until the 1960's. According to this view, Great Britain has become increasingly violent, disorderly, and ungovernable since then. In fact, major outbreaks of disorder have occurred throughout the periods of supposed harmony, and police-community relations were not nearly as positive as commonly believed. The media have presented particular images of policing and have reinforced dominant values. Similarly, assertions about past racial homogeneity and recent problems of racial violence do not match reality and have obscured the true history, which has been one of continuing racist violence and discrimination. Nevertheless, the stability of British society shows the state's capacity for absorbing criticism and ignoring demands for reform. The worst effects of crime are suffered by the groups identified as the source of crime and who lack the power to influence policy. Unless this is recognized, disorder will continue to be permanent and characteristic of British life. Sixty-seven references are listed.