Gun Violence: On a Rise
Gun Violence, one of the biggest problems in America and the city of Philadelphia . This topic is important to better understand the cause of gun violence and why we see gun violence happening in the streets of Philadelphia, each and every day. Not only do I want to better my understanding of gun violence, I want to create a community where gun violence is not a thing and problems are solved without the use of guns. Everyday I wake up to the fox 29 news to see mass shootings, homicides, and murders that fuels gun violence and impacts neighborhoods in Philadelphia. This issue matters to me because it is sad to see thousands of people lose their lives to gun violence each year, and that number keeps increasing. I hope that the city of Philadelphia can bring their attention to this big issue that continues to damage our neighborhoods.
This graph shows yearly homicides that date back to 1960
Sources say the main cause of increase in gun violence is the pandemic. Numbers of homicides and shootings in Philly have skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic, causing one of the most violent years in history. Experts say the pandemic likely drove much of last year’s spike in shootings and murders. They suspect that trend will continue for much of 2021, even as cities slowly inoculate residents against COVID-19, as they only see gun violence rising as the city goes into lockdowns. “The Philadelphia Police Department recorded 50 homicides in January, a 32% increase over last year, the deadliest in three decades.”, just goes to show how much the pandemic is effecting gun violence.
Researchers found that after Philadelphia closed non-essential businesses, there has been an increase in gun violence. Unemployment and distress in poor neighborhoods is what’s causing more violence throughout the city. Researchers say, “The pandemic, and its economic and social fallout, have highlighted many longstanding systemic issues, including inequities in employment, health care and housing”. Governor Tom Wolf and senators have proposed a new idea to make communities safer. For example, one of these idea were a senate bill that would report lost or stolen guns to authorities, but if there is not a change soon gun violence due to this pandemic will put a serious dent in our communities in Philadelphia.
This map shows the neighborhoods being affected by gun violence
These shootings are proven to have long term effects on people including paralysis. Dozens of people are affected from paralysis each year, and the number doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Experts say, “For each gun homicide, there were four survivors who sustained gun injuries. These injuries can cause significant long-term health effects, including paralysis”. Not only does this affect neighborhoods and the city of Philadelphia, it leaves people with disabilities making it harder to provide for their families.
This graph shows percentages of shooting victims with a gun related hospital visit
Community activists want to see change happening soon due to the increase of gun violence in Philadelphia. Activist feel like there is no sense of urgency, and hey thing some of the main causes of this crisis are narcotics, no food, and sexual abuse.
My research has given me evidence and important information that I can use when fighting against gun violence in Philadelphia. I wonder what city leaders will do in the future to compact gun violence and how soon will it be until it happens. I question the origin of gun violence and I look forward to learning more about it
My annotated bibliography is here
Comments
No comments have been posted yet.
Log in to post a comment.