- Anything Else -

So then...

In Reply to: Crime tends to be a produvct of inequality posted by Nikhil Jaikumar on July 05, 1999 at 17:54:31:

: In general, societies with low rates of INEQUALITY, be they rich or poor, tend to have extremely low crime rates. For example, 5 of the lowest 10 murder rates occur in West Africa, suggesting that culture is a major determinant of the crime rate. These societies all have reasonably egalitarian structures and place a strong value on the common good rather than individual gain. More generally, however, crime rates tend to be highest in highly unequal societies like Brazil and Colombia where there is a predatory bourgeois class and a large, alkienated majority. As Marx said, capitalism and inequality tend to breed alienation, and as we have seen simnce then, alienation breeds crime.

If it's such a good question then answer it. First, if you need to search the entire world and find Pygmies as your positive true example of collectivist thought, I suggest you are missing a few points.

1. Is there no downside to the Pygmie culture?
2. Are you apprised of all the facts in the matter of Pygmie culture?
3. Is there no upside to capitalism when compared to Pygmie culture?
4. Can the Pygmie culture be sustainable if projected to cover the entire planet?
5. Do you support any particular practical plan to impose Pygmie values upon me?

Secondly, answer my question. What happens when an anarchist steps out of line. Do you really assume that collectivist systems solve crime problems?

Stuart Gort

Follow Ups:

• If you had nothing, you'd be better off. Dr. Cruel July 08 1999 (2)
  • If only I was a Pygmie Stuart Gort USA July 19 1999 (1)
    • ... you'd be a miniature genius too. Dr. Cruel July 27 1999 (0)
• We are bred to think we DESERVE luxury, then piss & moan when we don't. Karen USA July 07 1999 (0)
• i was talking about West Africa, not teh Pygmies. Nikhil Jaikumar EFZ MA, USA July 07 1999 (0)