Mob Violence

What is mob violence? 

Mob violence is when a people in numbers of several or more assemble and act out violently. Riots are an example of mob violence.

 
Why does this type of group violence exist?

I feel that this type of violence exists because being angry, upset, or moved by a certain common issue in life results in little change or action in society when brooded over alone. However, when people come together with similar mindsets it is more likely that they cause they are fighting for (good or bad) will not only be heard by others in society but will also result in the change they are seeking. Obviously, things can turn violent for a number of reasons. For instance, the group fuels its anger and it can erupt in a violent clash in an instant. It’s also possible that actions from law enforcement to control the crowd could be deemed threatening by a member of the group and result in a violent outburst.

NEWS
In the state of Mississppi, a riot broke out on the University of Mississppi’s campus. It involved 300-400 students who were upset and angry over the reelection of president Barack Obama. According to the article, photos were posted on twitter of rioters burning Obama campaign signs. Students were shouting slurs against Obama and African Americans as well. It doesn’t appear that anyone was arrested because it was difficult for police to discern actual protestors from those who were spectators to the riot.

It’s important to note that the article also mentioned that plans of riots by black youths were heard of if Obama did not go on to win the election.

In this particular instance, it would appear that African American’s and the president even were victims of the riot, though indirectly harmed.

Media

1. This is a link to a clip of the riot that occurred in Mississppi post 2012 reelections as I mentioned above.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/07/university-mississippi-students-riot-obama-election_n_2088176.html

2. This video above is from the riots that occurred in London in the summer of 2011. I was actually in England on holiday when this happened. Luckily, I wasn’t anywhere near the riots however I heard some awful stories about youth who were looting and hurting each other in an attempt to make police feel inadequate. (There is profanity in this video)