Homicide rates aren't really reliable metrics for violence, at least in the US. Here in Chicago, homicides are down a bit, but shootings are up. That's actuall

Homicide rates aren't really reliable metrics for violence, at least in the US. Here in Chicago, homicides are down a bit, but shootings are up. That's actually more violence, but the homicide is the only politicized fact. More shootings and less deaths probably have more to do with surgical outcomes than any sort of peaceful nature argument. Kids are getting shot left and right here. Its not getting better. Humans are basic creatures that engage largely in rational game theory. A south-side kid with no prospects joining a violent gang is 100% rational. Shooting a rival for turf makes perfect sense in that socio-economic system. Under those circumstances violence is the most efficient way to gain resources, solve disputes, and build social capital. 70% of homicides in Chicago are never solved, so you don't need to worry about jail time either. Pinker's stuff is a bit too idealistic for my tastes. He ignores that humans really just adapt to circumstances. We're only less violent, if we even are, its because circumstances dictate it so. My milquetoast bureaucratic life has no room for violence, but if things drastically changed for me, I'd be the one buying a gun and shooting rival gangbangers. Its just makes sense for me to do so. I wouldn't necessarily be averse to this. I'd try to maximize my life, protect my family, and collect resources that best way I personally can. Thankfully, my parents immigrated to this country and gave me the luxury of never having to shoot anyone. I'm not a good person. I'm just a person. I can, and often will be, what circumstances demand if need be. I've never been tested like a south side kid. I doubt I'd take more a more moral or peaceful approach under those circumstances. I'm certainly not overly-moral today and I imagine most people aren't either. Are we all wringing our hands over not buying fair trade goods? Do we really care who makes our ipads, computers, etc? Why would I be overly-moral when it comes to violence if I suddenly found myself in certain situations?