In recent discussions surrounding racial injustice, the phrase “What about Black-on-Black crime?” has emerged as a common refrain from some white individuals. This statement often surfaces following unjust killings of Black individuals at the hands of law enforcement, triggering understandable outrage within the Black community. Yet, the insistence on bringing up “Black-on-Black crime” serves primarily as a diversion from the real issues at hand.
First and foremost, it is crucial to understand that the concept of “Black-on-Black crime” is fundamentally flawed. In a thought-provoking thread, writer James Carter highlights that the majority of crime is not racially motivated; rather, it is simply crime. Critics often cite statistics like “13% of the population (Black individuals) commit 50% of the murders,” which, while true according to FBI data, is misleading when taken at face value. This data only reflects arrests, not the full picture of crime in communities.
Understanding the Statistics
Let’s delve into the figures: in 2017, Black individuals were responsible for 53.1 percent of the 9,468 murders recorded. However, with approximately 47 million Black individuals in the United States, this means that fewer than 0.01% of Black people were involved in murders, indicating that 99.98% are not. This stark reality challenges the narrative of inherent Black criminality that the term “Black-on-Black crime” perpetuates.
As writer Lisa Grant points out, this narrative obscures the historical context that has shaped these communities. It is not an issue of genetics or predisposition but rather a reflection of systemic inequalities that disproportionately affect Black neighborhoods. When individuals commit crimes, they often do so in their own communities, where they reside alongside others of their race. The notion that Black individuals are roaming into white neighborhoods to commit crimes is absurd, particularly given the societal barriers they face.
Comparative Crime Rates
Interestingly, statistics from the Bureau of Justice show that the rate of Black individuals killing other Black individuals is 63%, while the rate for white individuals killing other white individuals is 56%. The numbers are alarmingly similar, which contradicts the narrative that seeks to portray Black people as uniquely violent.
It is essential to recognize that no Black parent dreams of raising a child who will become a criminal. The societal stigma surrounding Black individuals often leads to the dismissal of vital issues such as poverty, lack of resources, and educational opportunities. In fact, crime rates are more closely linked to poverty than to race itself. For instance, crime rates among impoverished Black individuals in urban areas stand at 51.3 per 1,000, while poor white individuals in similar settings have a rate of 56.4 per 1,000.
Addressing Systemic Issues
Rather than framing Black communities as inherently violent, we need to address the systemic issues that contribute to crime. Advocacy groups are actively working to tackle these concerns, and organizations like Black Lives Matter are not only focusing on police brutality but also on addressing intra-community violence. Patrisse Johnson, a co-founder of BLM, emphasizes that many within the community are striving to find solutions to harm in their neighborhoods.
Conclusion
In summary, the idea of “Black-on-Black crime” is a myth that serves as a distraction from the real challenges facing Black communities. The statistics reveal that crime is a complex issue tied to socioeconomic factors rather than race. It would be more productive for society to focus on addressing the root causes of violence and inequality rather than scapegoating an entire community for issues that are systemic in nature.
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