Why does the public think it's going up? “There is definitely more disorder in cities than there was five years ago," said one expert. “People confuse disorder and crime."
It’s amazing how if you ask the Boomers I know, they’ll tell you that cities are terrifying and riddled with crime every few feet. But when you actually go a city, it’s pretty normal. Maybe a bit less foot traffic and a few more unhoused people than pre-COVID, but still pretty much the same. Definitely not the war zone they describe!
Anecdotal, but I moved from a rural area to an urban area 3 years ago and everyone told me that I’d need to get “street smart” and to be aware of my surroundings at all times, yet I’ve never had an issue. I mostly just get people who want to pet my dog. And I moved to an area that historically has been “the ghetto” but it turns out that it’s just a minority population who loves gardening and church. It’s honestly a great, wholesome area of folks who are just trying to get by with their own personal flair. I do occasionally see homeless folks who are actively doing crack or heroin on the trails but they never engage beyond a “Hello, can I pet your dog?” Or “Can I bum a cigarette?”. Shootings and crime are way down from 10 years ago and I feel perfectly safe walking my pup at night.
Mostly due to internet and pretty much every violent crime is publicized. No matter if it is across the country.
What is more funny, or sad maybe, this generation is helicoptering their children far more than past generations even though crime is far lower. I walked alone to and from kindergarten 6 blocks. Now someone would report you.
It’s amazing how if you ask the Boomers I know, they’ll tell you that cities are terrifying and riddled with crime every few feet. But when you actually go a city, it’s pretty normal. Maybe a bit less foot traffic and a few more unhoused people than pre-COVID, but still pretty much the same. Definitely not the war zone they describe!
Anecdotal, but I moved from a rural area to an urban area 3 years ago and everyone told me that I’d need to get “street smart” and to be aware of my surroundings at all times, yet I’ve never had an issue. I mostly just get people who want to pet my dog. And I moved to an area that historically has been “the ghetto” but it turns out that it’s just a minority population who loves gardening and church. It’s honestly a great, wholesome area of folks who are just trying to get by with their own personal flair. I do occasionally see homeless folks who are actively doing crack or heroin on the trails but they never engage beyond a “Hello, can I pet your dog?” Or “Can I bum a cigarette?”. Shootings and crime are way down from 10 years ago and I feel perfectly safe walking my pup at night.
Mostly due to internet and pretty much every violent crime is publicized. No matter if it is across the country.
What is more funny, or sad maybe, this generation is helicoptering their children far more than past generations even though crime is far lower. I walked alone to and from kindergarten 6 blocks. Now someone would report you.