Perspectives on Violence

Violence fascinates us. One cannot pick up a newspaper without finding countless articles about brutality; as the saying goes, "If it bleeds, it leads". Overall crime rates, though, have shown a general reduction in recent years. Nonetheless, violence remains a perplexing problem. Anger management is a trendy topic, and an issue faced by many who lack the ability to control violent tendencies and emotions. Why do some commit heinous acts that most of us never let pass the stage of fleeting thoughts? Is violence a product of nature or nurture? What is the government's role in legislating against violence? These and other like questions cry out for answers. This new book focuses on violent crime and its causes in America, providing varied responses to the above questions. Along with an overview of the violence in the United States, this book provides a compilation of case and hypothetical studies on violence. From the influence of the media to the family environment, from suicidal thoughts to stalking, the selections presented here make for an indispensable resource in studying violence.