Quote:
Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz
Wow. I've got to say that I think this is more than just a little bit over dramatic.
Yes Calgary has experienced a pretty sharp increase in gang violence in the last 6 months to a year, but you're making it sound like this is the only place/time in the world this has ever happened.
There have been criminals killing criminals and innocent bystanders pretty much since the dawn of civilization, this isn't a new problem and it isn't one that is ever going to go away.
Moreover, Calgary is nowhere near becoming the armpit of major cities in North America. The only reason this seems so bad is because for a very long time we were very much sheltered from this type of violence. I can guarantee there are A LOT of cities in North America where this string of violence would be a welcomed reduction compared to what they normally see.
That all being said, that doesn't mean something can't be done to try to curb this violence before it gets any worse.
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I've already covered the 'dramatic' issue. I'm also already well aware that crime has been taking place since the dawn of civilization, thanks Tips.
My comment, while already me having admitted to it perhaps being a bit dramatic, didn't say Calgary WAS / IS the armpit across North America, it's BECOMING that. Big difference. If crime and violence keep consistently rising in this city the way it has been for the last 24 months, well then, things are going to get ALOT worse for this city before they get better, reputation-wise. And I've been to alot of cities in Canada, the U.S. and internationally. Hell, I've stayed overnight and have been through numerous times the crappiest areas of Los Angeles (Compton, South Central); not many people can say they've done that.
While I don't feel threatened walking around downtown at 2 in the morning, there's many, many out there that would feel unsafe. You do have to be vigilant in this city. For me, I've actually found it more comfortable walking around at night in cities like Manhattan, Sydney, Auckland, Singapore, Amsterdam or Tokyo at night than I have here. But that's just from personal experience.