Murder in #Chiraq

What's behind the growing homicide rate in Chicago?

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What are the root causes of rampant violence in Chicago, a city now known as the murder capital of the United States?

The number of homicides there surpassed 500 in 2012 alone, and already this year, at least 12 have been killed. Some Chicagoans have even likened the city to a war zone, calling it “Chiraq” in comparison to Iraq. Most of the Chicago killings have occurred in areas stricken by gang activity and poverty.

So what should be done to end the violence?

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to:

Ameena Matthews, @AmeenaMatthews
Violence Interrupter, Cure Violence
cureviolence.org/

Lance Williams
Assistant Director, Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies
professorlance.com

Members from The Stream community join us from Chicago via Google+ hangout.

What do you think should be done to address violent crime in Chicago? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

View the story "Murder in #Chiraq" on StorifyMurder in #ChiraqWhat's behind the growing homicide rate in Chicago?Storified by The Stream· Wed, Jan 09 2013 11:01:40

Below is an interactive map of shootings in 2012 by the Chicago Sun-Times. Last year, homicides in the city increased by 16 per cent from 2011.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/violence/index.htmlAJstreamCure Violence is an organisation dedicated to interrupting violent crime in Chicago's most at-risk communities. The group utilises locals and ex-gang members familiar with neighbourhood dynamics to intervene before confrontations happen.

Cure Violence's has received $1 million from the city of Chicago to continue its community-based policing efforts.

From CeaseFire to Cure Violence: A Message from Gary SlutkinceasefirechicagoCure Violence and their team of violence interrupters were at the centre of the critically acclaimed documentary, The Interrupters.

This video contains strong language.

The Interrupters - Flamo's DoorstepKartemquin FilmsAlthough Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy often attribute the high murder rate to gangs, many believe that Chicago's history of segregation is the major obstacle to reversing trends in violent crime.

The chart below by the Chicago Reader highlights racial demographics and homicide rates in the city's poorest and richest neighbourhoods.

ChicagoreaderThe website Rich Blocks Poor Blocks shows in more detail economic segregation of the city with wealthier communities represented in green and poorer ones in red. http://www.richblockspoorblocks.com/AJstreamDespite a decline in segregation nationwide, Chicago remains among the most segregated cities in the nation. As the maps below illustrate, segregation in Chicago has remained relatively stagnant in the past few decades. ChicagoreaderBelow, Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy speaks on a panel discussing strategies to reduce crime and violence. Highlights: Law Enforcement Strategies for Reducing Crime and ViolenceuchicagoStudies have shown that after-school programmes can significantly improve a student's likelihood of avoiding gun violence. Below are videos highlighting two such programmes in the city. Youth Guidance BAM Program - 6 minute versionyouthguidancechicagoAbout Imagine Englewood IfImagine Englewood IfChicago natives are raising awareness of the unrest in their city through artistic expression. Below is a video titled "Chi-raq" by spoken word artist M'Reld Green.

This video contains strong language.

Chi-raqmreldgreenAlthough some have criticised the city's hip-hop scene for promoting a culture of violence, others credit local rappers like Chief Keef for bringing attention to Chicago's problems."Keef has done more to publicize the fact that Chicago has a crime problem than the crime problem has publicized Keef," says hip-hop journalist David Drake.Chief Keef: Chicago's most promising antihero | Music Feature | Chicago ReaderChief Keef (whose real name is Keith Cozart) became the centre of attention when he was suspected of involvement in the murder of fellow Chicago rapper Lil Jojo. Insensitive tweets from Cozart's Twitter account seemed to mock the young man's death.

Chief Keef later expressed his sympathies to the family and claimed his Twitter account was hacked.

Man, been thinkin bout this chicago street shit a lot. My prayers go out 2 Jojo's family on their loss.BigGucciSosa300i didn't know him but he young jus like me. i can assure everyone that i had nothin 2 do with this tragedy tho. my twitter acct was hacked.BigGucciSosa300Popular Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco expressed his grief over the violence in Chicago in the video clip below (segment begins at 3:25):Lupe Fiasco cries & speaks about looking back on My Block Chicagoseethisnow321The Stream asked its online community if artists like Chief Keef were responsible for glorifying violence.@AJStream depends... But unfortunately some are only expressing something that is a reality. Perhaps some perceive it as glorification.Samantha A.@AJStream Just as "Jihad" doesn't necessarily entail a violent struggle, rap musics violent lyrics don't necessarily entail violent acts.MichaelRecently, Chief Keef's step-brother was also murdered in Chicago. Netizens expressed their frustration with the cycle of violence in the city:Sheesh they killed Chief Keef's brother. Thats that Chiraq lifestyle for yaWizzzmmeeeThe Chiraq moniker bothers me to no end. It is almost as if some Chicagoans wear the violence as a symbol of pride.C. RichWhy do people like bragging about Chicago being #Chiraq??!! Senseless deaths are not something anyone should be proud of.Crazy GeminiIt's sad that Chicago has the nickname Chiraq. Gotta stop the pointless violenceLanden AmosThe Stream asked: What should be done to stop the violence in Chicago?@AJStream I'm from the Chi and I know the solution is complicated, but caring is a good place to start! Police, school & gov just don't careAmani Lindsey@AJStream Violence is a way of life. The youth in #Chicago need a sense of purpose, self worth & better choices instead of turning to crime!Neslihan Kurosawa@AJStream reuniting black/brown folks again. America will never provide the remedy for the disease they created. It's up to us!!!!!apolitical_politickr