Windy City Woes: How 2021 Turned Chicago into a Real-Life Dodgeball Game (Except Way Less Fun)
Let's face it, folks, Chicago's got a bit of a reputation. Deep dish pizza? Unbeatable. Architecture? Makes your jaw drop. Gang activity? Well, that's where things get a little less delicious and a whole lot more... unfortunate.
But hey, we're here to talk facts, not stereotypes (mostly). And the facts say that 2021 wasn't exactly Chicago's safest year. Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the not-so-delightful world of gun violence statistics.
The Big, Bold, and Unbelievably Bleak Number: 797
That's right, folks. According to the Chicago Police Department, a whopping 797 homicides took place in the Windy City in 2021. That's more than 25 more than 2020, and a staggering 299 more than 2019.
Basically, if you were playing a city-wide game of dodgeball in 2021, your chances of getting pegged were pretty darn high. We're talking about a year where someone got eliminated every single day. Yikes.
But Wait, There's More (and it Ain't Pretty)
Homicides are just the tip of the iceberg, my friends. 2021 also saw a mind-blowing 3,561 shooting incidents. Translation: There were more shootings than there were days in the year. Double Translation: You probably wouldn't have wanted to be caught outside after dark playing hopscotch.
A Look on the Bright Side (Because Apparently There Has to Be One)
Okay, so things were rough. But hey, there's always a silver lining, right? Well, maybe not a silver lining, but a hint of, like, a very tarnished nickel. The good news (if you can call it that) is that 2023 saw a decrease in both homicides and shootings. So, things are moving in the right direction...slowly.
The Takeaway: Chicago's Got Grit, But It's Working on Being Less "Wild West"
Look, Chicago's a tough city. It's got a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a resilience that can't be denied. But gun violence is a serious issue, and it's one that the city is actively working to address. Hopefully, the future holds fewer unfortunate dodgeball games and more deep dish for everyone.
