I don't know and I don't think anyone knows- it might be because they are not given good parental support- or more likely they have heard on the TV adults saying this and just jumping on the band wagon. I dont think it is that many who do think they are owed- for example in my city population of about 1 million, 200 rioted, that means that there were many thousands more youths tucked up in bed not rioting. My own 19yr old has a part time job, runs and pays for her own car and has a place at University for the aurtumn and so do many of her friends.

The youth who participated in the London riots may have different purposes of joining. It may be assumed that some of them were really serious in protesting a perceived injustice while the others just wanted to create violence and loot for belongings that they can not afford to have. These youth belong to the lower rank of society mostly coming from the poorer communities of London. Not being able to gain employment made them stressed and the obvious misery of not being able to achieve a high standard of living enjoyed by the other members of society. In this situation, they blame the government for their poor economic status. The youth must have felt that they had no stake in society and will not suffer if they destroy it, hence, they did not have the moral compunction to protect the society that they felt has discriminated them.

These rioters must have felt that the taxes they give to the government must be beneficial for all not only for certain segments of society. They expect to be treated equally and not be discriminated because of their economic standing. It is just so bad that these youth voiced out their miseries in a manner of violence, vandalism and destruction that will not gain the sympathy they are seeking for.

Hi Silver_Lady

I am sure this is not just true of "youngsters today" but has been an issue for generations and will continue to be an issue years from now if humanity is lucky enough to still be around screwing up the planet (or hopefully be on a better course).

The older generations are in charge, pretty much, and some people raise their kids in a bit of a "Princess" like way, so many parents (more and more now) raise their kids with no understanding of the word "NO" - they expect to get everything and NOW.. and when they dont - they throw a temper tantrum - which is what you are seeing today.. and as long as parents continue this "lazy parenting" of being the kids pal.. friend.. and letting the kid, have or do anything they want becuase the parent is too scared to say NO or discipline their kid - well.. you can see where I am going

Parents raised kids to think society owes them... and really society has been so messed up, in a sad way.. we do.. we have almost destroyed the planet, sent many species into extinction, have used up non renewable resources so fast.. been using renewable ones faster than they can be renewed - then say to the kids "Here ya go, the Planet is yours.. Deal with it"

There is a culture of 'I'm owed this money' around the benefits system that deters people from supporting themselves. It a culture that has grown over generations with some families not having worked for three generations,

The benefits systemis designed to 'subdue' the sort of actions we are now seeing in London and elsewhere is due to cuts in social support.

I am against paying out benefits at the levels we currently are, but, the problem is - unless people are inspired to do something for themselves we will always have the culture of 'help me I'm destitute'.

As stated above benefits keep control, as, I believe som countries,such as Brazil, have in the past given free electricity and TVs to shanty town dwellers - the opium of e masses!

I think it's because society in general has been supporting people. Think about it, if you lose your job, you apply for unemployment. If you can't find a job, you apply for welfare. If you are a single mother, you apply for child support (if you don't know who the father is, just pin it on one of the poor guys that you slept around with). All of these are entitlements, and have some sort of form in almost any country. Because they don't have to work hard for what they have, they don't appreciate it. I would like to see everyone have to work for what they have, as that is important, and would help to alleviate this sense of entitlement that people have.

Thanks amirah - and all good answers though...I wanted to award all -

sweet_tink40 you are spot on about this culture of 'entitlement'.

bobmenzies - yep...'help me I'm destitute!' - the benefits system is far too generous.

Animal-World, your views are very parallel to mine - lazy-parenting.

And, case1worker - to leave on a good note - you are right - there are many great, industrious and socially aware youngsters out there.
The violent element is a minority who need to be quoshed.

Award was greatly appreciated. Have a nice weekend.