Black on black violence is a major problem in the African-American community, occurring frequently in predominantly minority neighborhoods. Many people have witnessed this violence firsthand, and it is not only prevalent locally but also globally. It is important for black Americans to understand that engaging in such violence is both ignorant and counterproductive. Rather than causing harm, African-Americans should aim to provide support and uplift one another, working together towards collective success.
Violence within the African-American community perpetuates negative stereotypes and portrays black individuals as lacking knowledge and understanding in society. It is important for African-Americans to recognize that our strength lies in unity, and engaging in violence against each other reflects a lack of brotherly love. Studies show that the chance of an African-American male experiencing a violent death is 1 in 146, compared to 1 in 189 for Caucasian men. This emphasizes the greater vulnerability of African-American men to becoming victims of violent deaths compared to their white counterparts.
The study is discouraging because it reveals that African-American individuals have the opportunity to defy stereotypes and make a positive impact in society. Another study conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that within 76% of reported violent crimes from 1993 to 1998, the violence occurred among individuals of the same race [2]. Enrico Ferri, a student of Lombroso, believed that Black people were an “inferior race” more prone to engaging in criminal behavior. Furthermore, in 2008, there were a total of 40 homicides in Little Rock, with black individuals being responsible for committing 54% of these crimes against members within their own community.
The main cause of death for young black men aged 10-24 and the second leading cause of death for black women aged 15-24 across the country is homicide. The violence within the African-American community, deeply rooted in their American experience, has a profound impact. These studies highlight the alarming levels of violence exhibited by African-Americans and their potential. It is crucial for individuals in the African-American community to analyze these studies and strive for a positive transformation, benefiting not only themselves but also future generations affected by others’ actions.
The increase in black on black violence primarily stems from the growing gang violence, resulting in territorial disputes leading to the murder of innocent individuals. Despite lacking legal rights over the disputed areas, gang members engage in these violent acts. Joining gangs is a common choice for many African-Americans who experience a lack of love and support within their homes. These individuals seek companionship and support, often finding solace on the streets where they believe they can find caring individuals. Young boys raised amid gangs often feel compelled to become part of them.
The boys in these gangs think that joining a gang is about safeguarding their own street, but they don’t understand that by defending something that isn’t theirs, they endanger their own lives. Whether it’s in the Black community or any other community, certain factors are associated with lower levels of violence. Economic stability and strong social networks are two important factors. Communities where people have their basic needs fulfilled tend to have less violence.
These goals are challenging to accomplish until racism is confronted (refer to reason number one) and African-Americans obtain equal opportunities. This assertion holds true because if African-Americans had equal opportunities to Caucasians and more positive prospects, it is possible that they would not engage in these violent crimes. An additional approach to diminishing black on black crime is to increase discussion of it in the media or public platforms. This would provide direct and indirect assistance to those impacted by such crimes.
The Center for Healing Hearts and Spirits launched a Media Awareness Campaign to inform 200,000 community residents about black on black crime. They also hosted a crime summit that attracted more than 1,200 participants. Raising awareness and knowledge on this escalating violence in the African American community can potentially decrease the number of black individuals involved in homicides. It is vital for African-Americans to acknowledge the importance of life and grasp that taking another person’s life should not be belittled. Regrettably, nowadays, life is frequently undervalued and treated as a mere game.
When individuals lack self-value and disregard their own lives, it becomes difficult for them to care about the lives they are taking. This problem is prevalent in today’s society where many people show a disregard for everything and express frustration towards others. In the past, African-Americans endured severe mistreatment such as being spat on, physically assaulted, and unjustly imprisoned solely because of their race. They were not participating in violent acts; rather, they were punished solely based on their skin color. If more African-Americans valued both their own lives and the lives of others, perhaps unity and understanding among people could be fostered.
