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Civil disorder

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Civil disorder happens when a group of people creates a public disturbance. This can cause immediate danger to others. It can also lead to damage to property or injury to people. Sometimes this includes civil disobedience, where people refuse to follow certain rules. Many people join these groups to ask for change. They might want to fix a social problem or a government policy.

Tear gas used against protest in Altamira, Caracas; and distressed students in front of police line
Tear gas used against protest in Altamira, Caracas; and distressed students in front of police line

These events can happen in different ways. Some groups plan their actions with specific goals in mind. Other groups act on the spur of the moment to release strong emotions. A group might start out peaceful and stay that way. However, they might become violent if things change quickly. This can happen if leaders or police officers react strongly to each other. Some events are even violent from the very beginning.

ABr170613PZ 6227
ABr170613PZ 6227

People join these groups for many reasons. Sometimes they feel that a government is being unfair or too strict. They might feel anger because of economic inequality or poverty. Other times, the cause is a religious or racial disagreement. Long-standing oppression of one group by another can also cause disorder. People might use these events to get the public to notice their dispute. They may want to disrupt normal life to make a change happen.

Harlem riots - 1964
Harlem riots - 1964

A crowd can change how people act. When people are in a large group, they might feel a sense of unity. This is called emotional contagion, where feelings spread quickly between people. A group can become a mob if they lose their self-control. In a mob, people might use tools like rocks, bricks, or bottles. They might even use Molotov cocktails or build barricades to block roads.

Masked and hooded protesters holding Molotov Cocktails seen during clashes in Ukraine, Kyiv. Events of February 18, 2014
Masked and hooded protesters holding Molotov Cocktails seen during clashes in Ukraine, Kyiv. Events of February 18, 2014

Law enforcement officers are often called to keep order. They try to maintain peace and normality in a community. However, these officers can also feel high tension during a disturbance. This tension can make it hard for them to stay disciplined. If they use too much force, it can make the situation much worse. This can lead to more anger and more fighting. The way news media covers these events also plays a big role.

Riot Cops (2823225195)
Riot Cops (2823225195)
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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:G-20 Toronto June 2010 (28).jpg
G-20 Toronto June 2010 (28).jpg
File:Tear gas used against protest in Altamira, Caracas; and distressed students in front of police line.jpg
Tear gas used against protest in...
File:Carpetright store after Tottenham riots.jpg
Carpetright store after Tottenham riots.jpg
File:ABr170613PZ 6227.JPG
ABr170613PZ 6227.JPG
File:Masked_and_hooded_protesters_holding_Molotov_Cocktails_seen_during_clashes_in_Ukraine,_Kyiv._Events_of_February_18,_2014.jpg
Masked_and_hooded_protesters_holding_Molot...
File:Ворота президентской резиденции в Алматы после захвата протестующими.jpg
Ворота президентской резиденции в Алматы...
File:Harlem riots - 1964.jpg
Harlem riots - 1964.jpg
File:Riot Cops (2823225195).jpg
Riot Cops (2823225195).jpg
File:2008 Republican National Convention Protests, Rage Against the Machine Concert in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota (23690209639).jpg
2008 Republican National Convention...
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