America, a Volatile Nation

America, A Volatile Nation

Americans live in an incredibly violent country. We became the most homicidal country in the Western world in the early 19th century. A book written by Randolph Roth may explain why. Roth writes that two thirds of the world live in a less violent state than Americans. He says that 1 out of every 200 children born in the U.S. will be murdered. He thinks the cause is, poverty, class envy, lax gun laws, gangs, drugs, jealousy, greed, and unrequited love.

Roth says, if an individual feels secure in his position in life, disappointments are easier to get over, but for a person who feels alienated from the American Dream, the smallest offense can provoke rage. Americans have been divided by race, religion, haves, and have-nots. Roth credits Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” with increasing American’s faith in the country and the falling murder rates in the 1930’s.

Roth warns about our volatile politics. Words can create a life of their own and take us to places we would not choose to go. It’s not all about winning but how we treat the losers. Inclusion is the way to satisfy our multicultural nation. Despite our political devision and the recession crime dropped sharply nationwide in 2009 and 2010. That should say something for the presidency of Obama. In any case it’s up to us, the parents, to teach our children to treat everyone equally and not disparage others because of race, religion or political views. I had always considered Americans to be a peace loving nation. I know my friends and family have never murdered or harmed anyone one or been harmed by others. But regardless of that, we can all do a better job of teaching our children how to behave toward others, and it’s in our best interest to do so.