No one can deny that violence has become a pervasive element in American society. With the explosion of media coverage, we are bombarded every day with stories of murder and assault that leave us wondering what has happened to this country and how did things become so bad. Not only has the explosion of violence left residents of poor neighborhoods angry and frightened over the perpetual murder of family, friends, and acquaintances, but those in peaceful suburbs and towns are learning that living in nice homes and having friendly neighbors no longer protects one from becoming a victim. Local news coverage tends to portray violence as a product of the inner city environment. Few employment opportunities, poor public education, and run-down housing all combine to create an environment where many residents become violent out of anger and despair.
Drugs are often an important factor.
An addict will do anything to obtain the money to get their fix. Dealers will murder anyone who steps on their turf and threatens their profit, intentionally or by accident. Recently, a baby was shot to death in Los Angeles as their family car strayed into a gang infested neighborhood and reached a dead end. For those who feel completely controlled by their environment, and act of violence gives them a moment of power and control they feel they don't otherwise have. As the problems in inner-city neighborhoods worsen, the propensity toward violence increases.