As a College of Washington scholar finding out Legislation, Societies, and Justice, I’ve realized how media and legislation enforcement narratives form public perceptions of crime, typically greater than details. Danny Westneat’s “Call me a nut — and they did — but we should be glad crime is falling” (Could 3, Native Information) will get it proper. Knowledge exhibits crime in Seattle is down, but many proceed to disclaim it because of the local weather of worry.
I obtain UW crime alerts usually, and so do my dad and mom. These messages typically spotlight remoted crimes close to campus with out broader context. For folks particularly, a lot of whom are from suburban areas, this paints an image of fixed hazard, which might distort how they view Seattle and UW, reflecting the broader false impression that cities are harmful. These alerts, whereas essential, contribute to a cycle of worry that echoes the identical exaggerations police unions are pushing that make crime appear ever-worsening, even when it’s not.
We have to maintain area for actual considerations about security and be sincere when progress is made. Concern shouldn’t be a communication technique, particularly when it impacts how individuals dwell, vote and belief their communities. If crime is down, let’s say so.
Molly Charrier, Seattle
