Violence: Injuries that are the leading cause of death and disability for people ages 1 to 34 in the United States. Violence is the actual or threatened use of physical force or power against another person, against oneself, or against a group or community, resulting in injury, death, or deprivation. Violence has become a national epidemic and a serious public health problem. In a 1998 study conducted by the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, 64.8 percent of 405 African Americans surveyed considered domestic violence to be one of the most serious problems facing their community. Approximately one in three African American women experience abuse from their husband or partner in their lifetime. Of the women who die from domestic violence, 28% are African American. Many people agree that African Americans are one of the most violent races in America. But this is a racial stereotype; constructed beliefs that all members of the same race share certain circumstances. Despite the perception that African Americans were prone to violence, those who took part in the civil rights movement earned their equality through nonviolent means. In 1906 the New York City Park presented an exhibit featuring an African-American man and a chimpanzee. Years later, the Ringling Brothers Circus performed “the ape man” who of course was also a black man. Scientific studies have been conducted to determine the proper place of African Americans in society. Scientists conducted tests and measurements and concluded that blacks were savage for the following reasons: abnormal arm length, brain weight, short and flat nose, thick and protruding lips, excessively thick skull and thick epidermis. In addition to the fact that skis... half paper... are on the streets, planning a crime or trying to organize a "gang-bang". Most people are aware that every teenager seeking independence feels a strong sense of adult ambivalence. Therefore, many of these teenagers see any police intervention as harassment and excessive. The reality is that these young people have been forced to "raise" themselves as many have no fathers and their mothers are forced to work two minimum wage jobs just to feed them and provide them with clothing. Without adequate role models, they seek advice and support from friends. This may lead them to participate in risky behavior, but often simply places them in the “wrong place at the wrong time.” Many of these young people also carry guns because their downtown neighborhoods are full of gangs and drug dealers. And “it is better to become a member than to be shot by one”.