Ep 4. Is Gun Crime a Virus?

In "Through the Wormhole" season 7 episode 4 titled "Is Gun Crime a Virus?" the exploration begins with host Morgan Freeman delving into the topic of gun violence and its impact on society. The episode poses the question of whether gun crime is a virus, or is it a product of societal and cultural influences.

The episode features numerous experts from various fields, including psychology, criminology, biology, and sociology. Each expert presents their unique perspective and research to provide insight into the underlying causes of gun violence in America. The show aims to unravel the complexities of gun violence and its ripple effects in society.

The episode starts off with Freeman discussing the rise in gun violence in America. He cites the alarming statistics that gun violence has become the leading cause of death among young people in the country. Freeman questions whether gun violence is a contagious behavior, akin to a virus, and whether or not it can be stopped before it spreads further.

The first expert brought on the show is Dr. Gary Slutkin, an epidemiologist who has studied the spread of infectious diseases. He posits that gun violence can be viewed as a form of contagious behavior, much like the spread of a disease. Dr. Slutkin draws comparisons between gun violence and other forms of violence such as gang violence, domestic violence, and even genocide. He argues that all of these forms of violence share similar patterns of contagion and that they occur in "hot spots" and can be curtailed using public health measures.

The episode then brings on renowned criminologist Dr. James Alan Fox, who believes that gun violence is a symptom of a larger societal problem, and not a virus. Dr. Fox argues that the root causes of gun violence are complex and multifaceted, including poverty, inequality, mental illness, and access to firearms. He explains that gun violence must be addressed through comprehensive social reform, rather than trying to find a quick-fix solution.

Next, the episode delves into the role of technology in gun violence prevention. Silicon Valley entrepreneur Ron Conway narrates the story of the development of a smart gun technology that could prevent accidental shootings and the use of firearms by unauthorized users. The technology, however, has faced significant political and social resistance, leading to limited adoption in the marketplace.

Finally, the episode explores the concept of "violence interrupters" as a means of halting the contagion of gun violence. A violence interrupter is a community member who has lived through the cycle of violence and has credibility with the perpetrators and the victims. The idea is to catch potential trigger situations, intervene before gun violence occurs, and mentor, counsel, and support people most likely to be involved in gun violence. Such interventions have had a significant impact on reducing violence in American cities, although there is still much work to be done.

"Through the Wormhole" season 7 episode 4 ends with a renewed sense of hope that gun violence can be stopped if we are willing to work together to find new approaches and solutions. The episode ultimately offers a thought-provoking and nuanced examination of the complex issues surrounding gun violence in America, and the importance of looking at these problems from a range of different perspectives.