The tragic events at VA Tech have dominated this week's news. As I watch and listen, I hear considerable commentary about how we are descending into a culture of violence.
I don't know the college-level stats, but I do know that homicides and violence at public schools have dropped considerably since the early 1990s. There were 34 homicides in 1992-1993. There were 33 in 1998-1999 when the Columbine killings happened. There had been 34 the year before. Those numbers are in the upper teens and low twenties, with ever more students in the schools. Also, keep in mind the following stats:
* The age-adjusted suicide rate dropped 23% from its 1977 high or 13.7 per 100,000 persons to 10.5 in 2003
* The violent crime rate dropped 59% from its high in 1979 of 51.1 per 1,000 persons to 21 in 2005.
* The murder rate dropped 44% from its high in 1980 (and a brief spike in 1993) of 10.7 per 1,000 persons to 6.0 in 2005.
* Violent crimes against students 12-18 years old dropped by almost two-thirds from 1993 high (first records kept 1992) of 59 per 1,000 students to 22 in 2004.
We were dealing with a mentally ill narcissistic young man at VA Tech. There is no way to prevent this entirely, but that should not stop us from questioning what we might do better. What should be clear is that this is not a sign of a culture descending into violence.
I think it is important to keep events in historical perspective and not be seduced into believing we can create a utopian world this side of Christ's return. Life is vulnerable. Community is vulnerable.
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