Really helpful article John. While outside of the subject matter, it is important to note that perceptions of crime are shaped, in part, by the media and politicians (maybe more of question?). Many of the regressive and racists policies that created mass incarceration were initiated in the late 1960s -1970s. Even as crime has declined we have struggled to make significant headway in reversing these policies.
It's a really important point and worth its own narrative. I agree that structural racism plays a critical role in public perceptions. I have a sketch of a follow-up that dives into the adjacent issue of concentrated disadvantage and racial isolation and segregation as part of an explanation for the different city experiences with the crime decline. Much more to say on that, but it would be interesting to think about that in terms of how it shapes how people interpret the news. More to come.
Really helpful article John. While outside of the subject matter, it is important to note that perceptions of crime are shaped, in part, by the media and politicians (maybe more of question?). Many of the regressive and racists policies that created mass incarceration were initiated in the late 1960s -1970s. Even as crime has declined we have struggled to make significant headway in reversing these policies.
It's a really important point and worth its own narrative. I agree that structural racism plays a critical role in public perceptions. I have a sketch of a follow-up that dives into the adjacent issue of concentrated disadvantage and racial isolation and segregation as part of an explanation for the different city experiences with the crime decline. Much more to say on that, but it would be interesting to think about that in terms of how it shapes how people interpret the news. More to come.