well, people are losing their faith in the future. religion, origin, looks, sex, smurf and rabbits... nothing matters really, it's just that people are losing hope for the future and some turn violent in lack of better ways to do it. but well, there's probably lots of brawlers having a real good time there as well, UK ain't exactly famous for being a calm place with their soccer-fans etc etc.
"discipline", "chivalry", "respect" and "honor". these words are in most places today considered dead and gone. some reporters say that "hope" is the next in line for butchering, even though it's too wide. they should probably say "hope for the future" to be more specific. on that point I agreed with the rioters though; where the F*** is the future going? but I don't agreed with their methods, those that actually do it for that reason that is... as said, most people there are probably just brawlers and people who try to get lucky and grab something shiny.
I don't get why the police didn't play wack-a-mole with the rioters from the start as they started popping up, instead of letting it slip out of hand..