Is the United States Safe to Live In?
There is a prevalent myth that living in the United States is dangerous due to the perceived high likelihood of encountering random violent incidents. However, this fear is often overblown and concocted from sensationalized media reports. In reality, the risks involved in living in the United States are realistically diversely distributed and generally manageable.
My Personal Experience
I have lived in the United States for more than two decades, residing in a state with unrestricted gun carry laws. Prior to that, I spent over 35 years in Canada, in a family that had a strong connection to firearms. From nursing through the shooting range to active involvement in hunting and competitive shooting, firearms have always been a part of my life. Throughout this time, including a few weeks spent in the notorious Archer Street neighborhood in Chicago (a place known for high gang violence), I have never heard a gunshot outside of official ranges, hunting, or a single corporate security class.
Myth vs. Reality
The idea that you can be shot at by a bored person from behind while walking on the street is largely exaggerated and derived from propaganda and sensationalism. In reality, the federal statistics show that violent crime is significantly higher in certain parts of Eastern Europe and Africa than in the United States. My experience and data suggest that uninformed and baseless fears are often more prevalent than the actual fact of the matter.
Neighborhood Safety and General Safety
Living in the United States is not inherently dangerous, especially if you choose to live in a safe and well-populated neighborhood. People tend to be "bored" due to low crime rates, and violent incidents are frequently associated with mental illness or gang activity. While the risk of violent crime does exist in any area, it is comparatively higher in liberal leaning areas where fewer individuals own firearms and use them for defense. Overall, the prevalence of firearms for self-protection can significantly reduce crime rates, as evidenced by various studies and data.
Gang-Related Crime
The risk of violent encounters is often confined to areas with gang activity, such as ghettos and crime-ridden neighborhoods. However, avoiding such areas can substantially mitigate this risk. Factors like socioeconomic status and cultural factors also play a role in crime rates, and people with all the same amount of melanin can be victims of gang violence. Therefore, staying vigilant and informed about your surroundings is important, but not a guarantee of danger.
Other Considerations
While violent crime is a valid concern, it is not the only risk in living in the United States. Other potential dangers include dying due to lack of medical care due to high costs, and police encounters. It is also crucial to be aware of your own mental health and to seek help if you need it.
Disclaimer
These perspectives are based on my personal experiences and views, which do not reflect the opinions of my employer. I provide information strictly for entertainment purposes, as-is without any warranty, and do not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions from third-party sources. This content is not intended as legal, medical, or real estate advice, and should not be relied upon for such purposes.
Resources for Help
If you are considering doing harm to yourself, please reach out for help. Trained counselors from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-8255. For LGBTQ individuals, the Trevor Project offers 24/7 crisis intervention and resource referral at 1-866-488-7386 or text 678-678 to chat with a trained counselor. If you are a child and a grown-up is hurting you, consider contacting the Childhelp National Child Abuse Helpline at 1-800-422-4453 or speak to a trusted school counselor or teacher.