Former MP Hilton Dawson seems to believe that only those who actually work in social services are entitled to express an opinion on a "lost generation" of young people (Letters, July 20).

The interviews I conducted with the two young drug dealers were in preparation for a doctorate thesis in criminology. The transcripts of the interviews were printed verbatim. I spent over a year among this group, and sourced opinions from the police and senior underworld figures to give credence to what they told me.

To describe reports of their lives and dreams, however dysfunctional and distasteful, as "horrible journalism" is to misunderstand the nature of reportage and indeed, academic research. I simply reported what was said. Unfortunately, sometimes the truth is unpleasant.

In order to tackle and offer genuine alternatives to these damaged youths, we first have to talk to them, try to understand them and then build upon that.

Wednesday July 27, 2005
Donal MacIntyre, London
Letters
The Guardian
http://society.guardian.co.uk/societyguardian/story/0,,1536283,00.html