The basic question is interesting, but much of the discussion about riots has an aggressive political framing. Many riots are triggered by wins or losses at pr

The basic question is interesting, but much of the discussion about riots has an aggressive political framing. Many riots are triggered by wins or losses at prominent sports contests. Also, Stonewall was a riot with a particularly long lasting effect and different dynamics from many others. People in drag humiliating police was a big part of it and property damage was minimal. Consider this recollection of a riot in 1994: Having just lived through the hockey riots in Vancouver (the worst mob action Western Canada has ever seen), it makes me fear not beer-swilling heteros but the socio-economic system of apartheid they live under. If you think that makes me an armchair socialist, that's your opinion. By the way, just talk to a cute 20-year-old rioter who got cruised by a 26-year-old riot squad cop in the middle of the riot. The cop literally sheltered him with his shield, accompanied him to his car, and gave the kid his phone number! Grace under pressure.