Normalizing Violence Through Stories

• In Event: Narrative Criminology

Abstract

We use a narrative approach to understand how hardcore street offenders normalize violence through stories. Their stories tell of the chaos of the streets where violence can erupt at any moment, almost as if they are living in warlike conditions. The ever present potential for violence makes it seem routine in their neighborhoods and, therefore, in little need of explanation. Accordingly, these cultural narratives of violence lead them to respond in specific ways. To survive (and thrive) in this chaos they believe they must be as violent as the environment, be unfazed by violence around them, and be vigilant in not “slipping” to avoid or postpone victimization. We argue that stories about the chaos and violence of their worlds directly effects how they see themselves and facilitates future violence. Stories about the places they frequent influence their decisions to associate with violent people, carry weapons for protections from potential attacks, and to be on high alert and ready to seize the upper hand in potentially violent encounters. Mental and material preparation makes their decision to engage in violence more likely. The implication is that people use stories to make sense of their lives, but these stories also shape their behavior.

Authors

• Andrew Hochstetler, Iowa State University

• Heith Copes, University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Michael Cherbonneau, University of North Florida