American Violence: Survival, Healing, and the Failure of American Policy

(Paperback)

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Richard Wright analyzes the current state of violence in America, the criminal justice systems response, and the experiences of survivors in the aftermath of a violent crime. Despite decades of advocacy, change, and research, our policy responses embedded with historic and systemic values which rank victims and survivors not based on their trauma and loss, but by race, social status, gender, location, and age, remain quite flawed. Keeping the big picture in mind, Wright analyzes the unintended consequences of current, well-meaning policies, critiques the victim hierarchy, and sheds light on why American responses to the needs of violent crime victims have accrued a more failures than successes.

Reviews

This volume by Wright (Bridgewater State Univ.) is a reflexive survey of the impact of mass violence on the lives of Americans, a topic especially close to the author after he lost his sister and her family. Given the nature of his sister's death, he readily states his bias against violence, specifically gun violence, though, in this reviewer's opinion, opposition to violence should be seen as a commitment to objectivity, not a sign of bias. Wright opens the book with quotes from political leaders' public statements following high-profile assassinations or mass attacks, noting that the emphasis in such public discourse is on the need for healing rather than the need for justice for the victims. He ultimately recommends the US move away from the overcrowded carceral system in favor of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission approach.

Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels.

Informed by a disquieting personal tragedy and a remarkable mastery of extant research, Richard Wright illuminates the nature and impact of American violence. He weaves together statistics and narratives to capture the scope and toll of violent victimization. Reading American Violence is an intellectual and, importantly, an emotional experience as victims harms and the current failure to address them are detailed. Ultimately, this book is about the soul of America and about our collective obligation to do better for victims of violence by embracing justice and humanity in these challenging times.

Author Bio

Richard G. Wright is professor of criminal justice at Bridgewater State University.