Violence: An American Tradition
As Americans, why study crime?
1. The U.S. has always experienced high levels of violence.
2. The U.S. has much higher levels of violence than other industrialized countries.
Homicide Rates for Selected Countries
| Country | Year | Homicide Victimization Rate |
| Colombia | 1996 | 64.60 per 100,000 |
| Argentina | 1994 | 4.51 per 100,000 |
| United States | 1996 | 6.80 per 100,000 (Down from 9-10 per 100,000 in early 1990s) |
| England/Wales | 1992 | 1.41 per 100,000 |
| Japan | 1994 | 0.62 per 100,000 |
3. Consequences of crime are severe.
Financial
Physical
Social
DOCUMENTARY: VIOLENCE: AN AMERICAN TRADITION
Why is the U.S. a violent society?
What are the different forms of violence mentioned in the film?
How have Americans perceived violence?