Are YOU a potential rioter?

Thanks for your reply foxyfire. But I am somewhat surprised by your comment that you might, as a bystander and not necessarily participating in the riot per se, use the riot as an opportunity to loot, even if for basic necessities. I am sorry to hear that you are having this much trouble making ends meet to support yourself and your kids. Is there a social assistance program in your area that you might have access to?

Having said that, I am all for defending our homes and our families, but the riot situation I was envisioning when i posted, was one mostly of a public display of destruction and vandalism, including the hurting of each other, sometimes due to even a crushing situation at times. And if looting is involved, when you see them, they aren't really going for the 'necessities' that you mention.

Wow...I think we just had a mojor misunderstanding!

I was picturing a riot involving the business and residential areas of a city and supposing that I was living in that city with my family...what would I do then? These things have been known to last for days and the streets can be unsafe for weeks afterward. In that environment it would feel like the world was crumbling around us and that is when I may feel the need to go loot a grocery store if I was that concerned about my family's needs.

As it is I live out in the country and don't really need to worry about riots.

I understand now FF.
And yes I know what you mean about a long lasting riot, but that isn't even wha tI was thinking, That is an even worse situation, and I agree, if I could not get supplies the nI would have to fend for my family. But I would come back and make it right when all is settled. You sound like you would do that too. We're on the same page i think.

I live in the country too now, but used to work in the city.
I'd rather take on bears and big cats, than people:)

Thank you for your comments on this novataylor. I believe that you*would* fight tooth and nail to protect your loved ones, as would I. But you and I are of the same mind that we wouldn't allow ourselves to find us 'that deep' into a scene like that, instead, hopefully realising in time to make an exit before the bad stuff comes down. Having been in this situation and being receptive/lucky? enough to feel something was wrong before it actually happened. But when it does, it seems to escalate at surprising speed.
I think (but am not certain in all cases) that alcohol use, especially if 'abuse', seems to contribute and compound this ugly phenomenon.

If I were to guess, I think the ones who initiate this violent and irrational behaviour, likely suffer higher than normal feelings of insecurity and in a wildly misdirected 'mission of recognition', (if you like) prance around putting their insecurities on public display. Naturally, others who share that predisposition, join in, in an effort to fulfill this warped void in their life.

That's my hunch anyway..