Transformation of Crime Perception in New York City

Malcolm Gladwell reflects on his personal experience of moving to New York City in the early 1990s, a time when it was perceived as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. He recounts the fear among residents, especially at night, highlighting how people, including himself, would have discussions about safety before heading home. Over time, this fear diminished, and he became intrigued by the change in crime rates despite the social landscape remaining largely unchanged. This led him to investigate the underlying reasons for this transformation, leading to a groundbreaking theory he elaborated in his book, The Tipping Point.