Rankings based on state violence, population in jail
The rankings are in, and Louisiana grabs the number one spot; however, it’s not a list one would like to be number one on.
The Institute for Economics and Peace recently ranked Louisi the “least peaceful” state in America.
Debates were ignited, and students didn’t have a problem joining in.
Junior general business major from Shreveport David Richardson agrees with the ranking.
“Well, I believe ‘most violent’ is well deserving.”
Sophomore undeclared major from Shreveport Jeff Charles partly blames the education system.
“If we had a better education system, it wouldn’t be that way. Dumb people do dumb things,” Charles said in regards to the ranking.
The United States Peace Index, which defines peace as the “absence of violence,” determined the rankings by considering factors such as violent crimes, homicide rates and the percentage of the population in jail. It was also noted that peace was significantly related to education, economic opportunities and health.
To some, the ranking came as a shock, considering the fact that Louisiana was just ranked number one, by Businessweek.com, as the laziest state in America.
“So we’re both lazy and violent? Doesn’t violence require some type of action,” said Charles.
As far as being ranked the laziest state, Richardson believes it’s an unfair label.
“As for laziest, I don’t know the statistics; but I do know there are lazy people everywhere, not just Louisiana, but to each his own,” said Richardson.
Charles still believes that education plays a role.
“Some people think they have no choice but to be lazy. They can’t find a job because of their lack of education,” said Charles.
But when said to be “lazy,” Business Week is not referring to a lack of work ethics.
Rather the measurement of time spent doing physical activities versus ones that don’t require much.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average time Louisiana residents spend working is two hours and 41 minutes, which is lower than any other state, yet the average time spent sleeping is eight hours and 44 minutes and three hours and five minutes for watching television.
