Born into poverty, Darren McGarvey, a Glaswegian who entered the world in 1984, spent his youth amid stark inequality in Scotland. It was the very rap music he used to tell that story that propelled him to become a prominent singer and activist. Beyond his work as an artist under the moniker Loki, he has authored two books and regularly collaborates with British media outlets. Recently, the Entitats Catalanes d’Acció Social invited him to mark its 20th anniversary. He noted that NGOs play a crucial role in highlighting inequality, but they often lack the power to challenge those who hold influence.
What was his childhood like?
He grew up in a working-class district marked by economic deprivation. The strain was felt deeply within the family, where issues like alcoholism and addiction created an unsettled home life.
Did this extend to his family years later?
His mother gave birth to him at 18. He describes growing up in an alcoholic household, a fearsome experience for a child who craved security and a mother who could provide it.
Was there exposure to violence?
He faced the most frightening thing there is—the threat of violence. The moment before a confrontation, the tension, and then a fragile relief when the danger passes. The pattern is hard to shake, and trust lingers on a thread of belief that those involved will change.
Yet he managed to climb socially.
He credits luck more than formal routes of advancement. He did not go to college, did not follow a conventional path into work, and admits he was not an especially strong reader. Following his exact path would be difficult for anyone; it requires a belief in possibility and stubborn effort that sometimes seems random in its success.
How did that happen?
Through the democratizing power of social networks. They allowed him to reach audiences directly, without seeking prior approval from gatekeepers. This digital channel altered his ability to negotiate with editors and managers. In his view, social media made the difference.
What is the role of social entities in this landscape?
Without them, inequality would be more severe, but their funding often restricts how aggressively they can critique governments. Politicians and financial institutions provide some support, yet the reality remains that the system involves everyone. There is a shared dilemma, including those who work in newspapers.
And what about those who are not affected by poverty?
It is common to encounter middle-class perspectives that fail to grasp everyday poverty. Media narratives can sensationalize minor issues and create stereotypes around crime and outsiders, which distorts public perception.
Should journalism tackle poverty more directly?
The practical reality is a mixed picture. There are more soup kitchens than ever before, and security measures at supermarkets are a visible sign of economic strain. The goal is to reduce inequality, while those who feel its effects may hope for a future shift in attitude or circumstance.
Some respond to far-right rhetoric.
The challenges facing neighborhoods are tied to immigration policies as well. Far-right parties push ideas of white supremacy and closed borders, tapping into feelings of neglect among people who may feel overlooked by society.
Recent weeks have seen incidents of youth violence in Catalonia. Police have spoken of eroded respect among young people.
Violence wears many faces and crosses cultures, but its roots lie in insecurity, anxiety, and lack of opportunity. It often serves as a currency of status; when disrespect goes unanswered, others perceive it as permission to escalate. In wealthier areas, violence tends to be more psychological and subtle, yet there is a clear link to poverty.
And those involved are mostly children between 12 and 14.
There are legitimate ways to resist authorities when they overstep, but manipulation also exists. Human traffickers, for example, may despise police due to their criminal behavior and show little regard for the communities they prey on. When such behaviors appear, it becomes essential to distinguish genuine emotions from manipulated ones.
What is the current state of his relationship with his community and family?
He now lives in another working-class neighborhood and maintains strong family ties, but he sometimes feels out of place. The attention surrounding him has become mentally taxing for some of his acquaintances.
What about the perception of success stories in the media?
For him, turning away from alcohol and drugs and becoming a responsible father constitutes a real achievement. Yet there is a constant hunger for more success, a reflection of individualism that persists. It is a sign that people often seek personal milestones rather than systemic change.
Is individualism a barrier to ending poverty, or is collective effort essential?
The system needs to evolve, but change won’t come quickly. The era feels transitional and protracted. What lies ahead is uncertain—more authoritarian tendencies, direct democracy, or even communism. What is clear is that the current framework cannot continue as it is. The path forward likely involves broader shifts in how society organizes opportunity and power. Source: ECAS interview notes, adapted for public reflection.