The Tipping Point by Howard Gladwell

Gladwell uses Goetz to illustrate the way in which context shapes people's actions, as well as influences them. Goetz was hailed a hero for his actions, but none-the-less, his actions were a direct result of his own experiences. Psychologists used Goetz as an example of how people can snap. They refused to admit that his actions weren't a pure case oof psychological problems. Gladwell does not accept their view, but rather, chooses to look at the whole picture. Goetz grew up in a less than desirable neighborhood, he'd often been the victim of violence, and he was mugged only weeks before the shooting. Goetz started to carry a gun to protect himself..... he used it to protect himself. Had the environment been different, this wouldn't hae been necessary. Gladwell's theory is supported by the decrease in crime after city government addressed the issues.