Stereotype 2:American society is violent. Crime rates in the USA,despite sharp declines in recent years,remain notably higher than in other industrialized countries -About 1%of the population is in prison,the highest ratio in the world. -Who commits crimes?Very often,underclass people who have poor prospects for jobs. Crimes are associated with guns,about 25%of Americans own a gun. Stereotype 2: American society is violent. - Crime rates in the USA, despite sharp declines in recent years, remain notably higher than in other industrialized countries . -About 1% of the population is in prison, the highest ratio in the world. -Who commits crimes? Very often, underclass people who have poor prospects for jobs. - Crimes are associated with guns, about 25% of Americans own a gun