BBC documents on Philadelphia crime epidemic, have you seen this? (Alexandria: condo, houses)

[Mekitor]

Do you see any hope for Philadelphia improving these neighborhoods? What is with this stop snitching problem all of a sudden? How can Philadelphia take control of this situation? This documentary make it sound like there is no hope.


Louis Theroux - Law And Disorder In Philadelphia - Part 1/6


Louis Theroux - Law And Disorder In Philadelphia - Part 2/6


Louis Theroux - Law And Disorder In Philadelphia - Part 3/6


Louis Theroux - Law And Disorder In Philadelphia - Part 4/6


Louis Theroux - Law And Disorder In Philadelphia - Part 5/6


Louis Theroux - Law And Disorder In Philadelphia - Part 6/6

[Duderino]

I just watched one part of the series. It is very interesting and well-done -- definitely gives you a real perspective of Philadelphia's inner-city crime problem and the people that deal with it on a daily basis. It certainly makes you appreciate the police a lot more.

That said, Philly's crime issue is hardly anything new, nor is it exclusive to the city. I'm not saying that these problems are not palpable, but TV programs definitely have a tendency to sensationalize the reality of things. Contrary to how this documentary seems to portray Philadelphia, the city is not entirely comprised of a war zone. Are there extremely rough neighborhoods that have major issues with the mostly drug-related violence? Sure, but this is found overwhelmingly in isolated areas.

On the bright side, crime is certainly on the decline. A 15% decline in homicides during 2008 compared to 2007 is a major step in the right direction. Yet, the violence in Philadelphia's worst neighborhoods will not get better until -- like the police noted -- the people in these communities stop condoning the crime culture. It is the responsibility of the people who live there as much as the police to make their community a better place. That's nothing that is impossible, but until enough people rise up against drugs and other kinds of violence -- not to mention providing better educational and job opportunities for inner-city kids who feel like drugs is the only way to "earn" a living -- the cycle of crime will continue.

[Mekitor]

Although it was interesting that the reporter interacted with some of the people in these neighborhoods and few of the 'criminals', I also do think that they portrayed the city in a bad way. Why can they have talk a little about the city history and shown nicer places of the city (even a tiny part of the footage) then go do the bad neighborhoods. Maybe show some maps of these areas. Show a little of both worlds. But this documentary will certainly place a dark picture of Philadelphia to the people in Britain oand elsewhere. Do you think that will be a problem for tourism? BBC is well watch around the world.

[sbhubbell]

Crime and negativity gets ratings, sells papers, etc. No incentive for them to show both sides of the coin. I kind of doubt it will have a big effect on tourism...tourist from oversees aren't coming here JUST to visit Philly....it's usually a stop on their tour between NY and DC. And I don't know a LOT of folks that watch BBC outside of the UK.

[waltlantz]

I mean it's a good portrayl of North Central Philly were a lot of the hot spots are.

Philly has potential. If some of the houses could be rebuilt and refurbished it could look more like Old Town Alexandria VA.

My fellow African Americans are going to have to do some work though.