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A similar point was made recently by Ron Unz[1], in an article that got him fired from the American Conservative magazine. The correlation between race and crim

A similar point was made recently by Ron Unz[1], in an article that got him fired from the American Conservative magazine. The correlation between race and crime is shockingly strong. Are people generally aware of the data? There are even more uncomfortable facts that are too extreme for Unz that are blogged about by only the most hardened thought criminals. For example, have you ever wondered if racial crime stats showed the same relative patterns in other nations, including those with no history of African slavery? By what mechanisms would racial crime rates show the same pattern in Switzerland and the United States? The answers are fascinating, but they won't get you tenure. [1] http://www.ronunz.org/2013/07/20/race-and-crime-in-america/ http://www.ronunz.org/2013/07/20/race-and-crime-in-america/

ewoodrich 13y ago
Perhaps the mechanism could be systemic societal assumptions of black individuals being likely criminals, and therefore reduces to the social stigma of pursuing criminal activity (since the individual already has been prejudged). Or something else. More importantly, what are we supposed to do with this alleged discovery. I can't say I like the possible "solutions"....
- newnewnew 13y ago
  In my own mind, the implications for policy are minor and would be good ideas in the absence of racial considerations anyway. It means being slower to see disparate impact of anti-crime measures as evidence of racism. It means encouraging pro-social behavior and discouraging violent culture. The introduction of federal welfare destroyed the black family - only one in five American black children live with both parents. Why not link welfare benefits to public service, or replace it with government jobs repairing parks and schools? Use financial incentives to encourage two-parent families. Give a 20% pay raise for people on the public dole who are married and live with their spouse. Today, strong encouragement of pro-social culture would be called "racist". But it would be better for all involved.
- yetanotherphd 13y ago
  How about we first agree about what is true, then figure out what the best course of action is, rather than repressing the truth, or reserving it for a select few.

ewoodrich 13y ago

Perhaps the mechanism could be systemic societal assumptions of black individuals being likely criminals, and therefore reduces to the social stigma of pursuing criminal activity (since the individual already has been prejudged). Or something else. More importantly, what are we supposed to do with this alleged discovery. I can't say I like the possible "solutions"....

newnewnew 13y ago
In my own mind, the implications for policy are minor and would be good ideas in the absence of racial considerations anyway. It means being slower to see disparate impact of anti-crime measures as evidence of racism. It means encouraging pro-social behavior and discouraging violent culture. The introduction of federal welfare destroyed the black family - only one in five American black children live with both parents. Why not link welfare benefits to public service, or replace it with government jobs repairing parks and schools? Use financial incentives to encourage two-parent families. Give a 20% pay raise for people on the public dole who are married and live with their spouse. Today, strong encouragement of pro-social culture would be called "racist". But it would be better for all involved.
yetanotherphd 13y ago
How about we first agree about what is true, then figure out what the best course of action is, rather than repressing the truth, or reserving it for a select few.