I'm not sure if any academic studies have ever been done on rioting, but I'd like to throw out a question I've had ever since the Rodney King riots (waaaaaaaaaay back in '93, I believe)
I understand that the reasons people start/participate in rioting can cover anything from pent up anger to overexcitement to a plain old desire to cause trouble.
What I don't understand is why people destroy their own living environment when they riot. For example, setting fires in their own neighborhood. Looting stores owned by their neighbors. Beating the crap out of one another.
It doesn't make sense - why in essence destroy yourself when it's someone else you're mad at?
Would anyone like to discuss this? Please be civil to me and to each other and don't make me close this thread
