I don’t fault Singapore, as they seem to have their act together. However, this being the U.S., we’ve all generally been taught that living in high crime areas, going out in the wee hours that generally that’s when something bad is disproportionately bound to happen (and inevitably, we already know the general age, race, and gender of the perps involved). It’s sad that it’s that way, and it shouldn’t be, but until a cultural shift occurs and the major contributors to the crime rate are taught to appreciate behaving in a civilized way, it’s not going to change (point being, people shouldn’t have to be forced to resort to carrying weapons to protect themselves to do something as simple as going out for a late-night walk or ride).
Oh, many muggings also happen in the daytime as well.
Freeing up folks to defend themselves would do almost as much as the likelihood of getting caned, to get muggers to think twice.
Why give up the night to evil.
Also, Singapore had to deal with an “extreme diversity” situation. Especially with the wild card of Islam as about a third of the population. Not content to just let what Islam do what it commonly does when it is that strong in a population, Singapore drew a heavy line. The US black vs white situation isn’t that bad, but it’s worsening.
New Orleans is a 24 hour city. People work all night and have to go home. Many ride bikes.People worldwide are lured here to party all night-bars and eateries are open everywhere and busses and streetcars run in areas where there should be tanks.
I don’t know if the victims were working people or other nightdwellers who found trouble instead of caused it; but ANYONE on the streets of New Orleans at night is likely to be a victim. It’s that dangerous.
Wait till this happens to tourists. Wait till there is a serious shootout or spray of gunfire at a Mardi Gras parade. Most locals already have given up the idea of going into the city for parades because of the concentration of people in the dangerous central city area that is now the ONLY route for parades. We know this happens. We know it WILL happen.
The ‘cultural shift’ you speak of HAS happened- THIS IS IT! Those who are involved in, or approve of, crime( because they or their circle benefits) are the majority now! Expecting New Orleans to ‘clean up its act’ is like expecting the Barbary Coast pirates to vote in strong laws against drinking and piracy! It’s all heading down the drain-literally and figuratively- STAY OUT of New Orleans.