As the market began to free fall last year, predictions were being made that crime rates would skyrocket. Why? Because according to the armchair psychologists out there, poor people are prone to act the fool when money is tight. On the contrary, major cities all across America are reporting that crime rates are actually going…gulp…down. Just a few cities for example.
Providence crime rates drop 17 percent in 2009
San Francisco, CA
Violent crime is down by 20 percent for the first three months of this year. This graph shows violent crime rates in San Francisco for 2008 and 2009. Homicides have dropped more than 60 percent. There were 11 homicides reported in the first three months of 2009, compared to 28 last year (source)
Crime down in Los Angeles, other parts of Southern California
New York City crime rate still falling
Statistics Show Crime Down 25 Percent In Charlotte-Mecklenburg
As for myth #2, it was widely predicted that the pocketbook of Black folks would be hit the hardest during this recession–causing us to have less power in the marketplace (If I hear one more time that phrase “When the economy sneezes, Black folks catch a cold“, I promise I am going to slap somebody).
Study shows black buying power to grow despite economic woes
WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Despite an economy represented by high unemployment rates, a home foreclosure crisis and low consumer confidence, African-American buying power is projected to reach $1.2 trillion in 2013, according to a report conducted by the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth.
The report “The Multicultural Economy” published in late 2008, estimates that African-American consumers’ share of the nation’s total buying power will increase from $913 billion, resulting in a contribution of almost nine cents out of every dollar that is spent. (more…)
Now, the article does go on to acknowledge the fact that the current high unemployment numbers are very real and can have an adverse affect. However, it also mentions the importance of knowing our collective buying power. Collectively, we are a very powerful voice in the marketplace. We just need to know how to harness and wield that power in a constructive manner.
