Chapter Four: The Power of Context (Part One): Bernie Goetz and the Rise and Fall of New York City Crime Summary and Analysis

To first illustrate the power of context, the author introduces Bernie Goetz. On the New York City subway, several young boys approach Goetz and attempt to mug him. Immediately, Goetz pulls a gun and shoots the young men. At this time, crime on the subway happened frequently. In fact, many people of New York City hailed Goetz as a hero who did what others only wished they could do. Context, according to the author, made all the difference for Goetz. In another place, his behavior would have been different, as would the perception of the community.

A decade later, however, the volume of...