The violent looting and rioting is a byproduct from decades of mistreatment and ignorance. Much like a tree in your front yard, you can keep simply watering it and it may provide a bit of shade for awhile. But keep ignoring its proper care and mistreating it otherwise and eventually the parts you ignore and can't see, the roots, grow long and gnarly and begin tearing up the foundation of your home and driveway; destroying walls and and ruining lives.
So, what happens in our society? Many of those in 'authority' start blindly hacking away at the tree more and more. "Fuckin' tree. You can't trust 'em." So, naturally, the tree responds by stopping helpful, healthful growth and pushes for more growth through places it's safe; the growth underground, further increasing mayhem and decreasing quality for all. Is the tree helping the situation by destroying some shit? No. But my point is, it's hard to blame the tree.
Even the most cowardly, frightened dog will turn violent and aggressive if it feels forced into a corner. Add this to the fact that there are just as many assholes looking for an excuse on both sides of the equation and it's easy to see why things have come to this. However, the rest of us need to keep it in mind that those few assholes aren't always representative of 'the other side', though.
Feel free to add any other analogies. I've probably got a half dozen more shitty ones I can come up with. lol