I've read a statistic: US non-gun murder rate is greater than UK overall murder rate

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

A century ago British novelist D. H. Lawrence characterized Americans as follows: "All the other stuff, the love, the democracy, the floundering into lust, is a sort of by-play. The essential American soul is hard, isolate, stoic, and a killer. It has never yet melted."

Why is that?

Do you think he was correct?

Have we improved? Yes or No, vote below.

4 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	Yes, Lawrence was correct but we've improved
	1 (25%)
	Lawrence was wrong
	1 (25%)
	No, Lawrence was correct and we're still the same
	2 (50%)
	0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
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[Newest Reality]

1. A book,

The Better Angels of Our Nature spells out our progress, (generally) using in-depth statistical analysis.

Despite the perception and prejudice we are inundated with daily with the "if it bleeds, it leads" approach, humanity has actually improved along those lines globally. In fact, it is surprising just how much.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

3. Perhaps better on average, but there are still some amazingly bad examples

With over 26 major genocides and more than 12 million killed during the last hundred years humans have a long way to go.

Genocide doesn't have the hate market cornered either. By my count the last hundred years have included 52 major wars and conflicts that resulted in an estimated over 142 million deaths.

I do have hope but an accurate assessment of conditions is always required. Based on what I see today, governments are consistently warlike in provoking conflict or allying with others involved in conflicts. The media you mentioned profits from the "if it bleeds, it leads" approach you mentioned. Often touted as a peacekeeping force, the UN has had mixed results IMO. Of course the same permanent members of the security council are also the biggest arms suppliers in the world. Why only help an ally if by helping you can sell weapons as well and make a profit?

IMO government is more part of the problem than the answer.

Have a great week.

[Jim__]

2. The "essential" American soul? I'm not sure there is any such thing.