1990 LA: The Year Everyone Thought They Were on a Real-Life GTA Mission (Except, Way Less Fun)
Ah, 1990 Los Angeles. A time of neon lights, big hair, and... a whole lotta murders. We're talking enough homicide to make a Tupac song cry. But hey, at least nobody had to worry about a murder hornet apocalypse, right?
So, how many murders are we talking about here? Buckle up, buttercup, because this number's about to blow your flip phone out of its holster. In 1990, the City of Angels saw a whopping 983 homicides. That's right, nearly 1,000 people met their untimely demise.
Wait, wasn't 1990 like, peak glam rock and rollerblading?
Yup, that's the crazy part. While some folks were rocking out to Bon Jovi, others were playing a very different kind of game - a deadly game of "who blinked first?" Crime rates were soaring, gang violence was rampant, and let's just say, chilling on a park bench after dark wasn't exactly everyone's idea of a good time.
But why were there so many murders?
Well, that's a question sociologists and criminologists are still pondering over lattes these days. But here's a quick rundown of some of the suspects:
- The Crack Epidemic: This highly addictive drug fueled gang violence and turf wars, turning neighborhoods into war zones.
- Social Issues: Poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity all played a role in creating a volatile environment.
- Maybe it was the Outfits? Okay, probably not, but seriously, some of those neon jumpsuits could have been blinding enough to induce rage.
So, what happened next?
Thankfully, crime rates in LA have declined significantly since the 90s. But 1990 serves as a stark reminder of the city's turbulent past. Hey, at least we can all appreciate the fact that nowadays, we can walk down the street without feeling like we're starring in our own personal action movie (hopefully).
Disclaimer: This post is intended for entertainment purposes only. Murder is a serious issue, and if you or someone you know is struggling with violence, please seek help.