When I think of thugs, I think of premeditated stick ups, protection money rackets, and intimidation. A riot is dangerous, unpredictable, and unwise (imo), but

When I think of thugs, I think of premeditated stick ups, protection money rackets, and intimidation. A riot is dangerous, unpredictable, and unwise (imo), but I wouldn't characterize it as thuggish. It's clear to me the reason that word was used was to appeal to his base, who are eager to put a label on these protestors as a way of dehumanizing them. https://theconversation.com/thugs-is-a-race-code-word-that-fuels-anti-black-racism-100312 https://theconversation.com/thugs-is-a-race-code-word-that-f...