‘Knife crime’, ‘violence’ and ‘gang culture’ are words that trigger stereotypical thoughts about hooded young black and Asian men. The nation believes violent crime in inner cities is a ‘black problem’. To believe this is to buy into a lie and disregard context.
The link between poverty and violence is proven beyond doubt. Poverty is a breeding ground for violent crime and gang culture. Wherever you find lack of resources, amenities and educational facilities, you find crime and violent crime. We also know the systemic biases that exist have the result of stranding more young black and Asian men in reduced economic circumstances than their white counterparts. The consequences of this can be counted in lives lost to violence.
Noah A. Enahoro 