L conquers the original

An inmate once told me that the district is the original. We do everything different, he said. For one, the music is unique, he tells me, citing the go-go movement. And crime is different here too, gangs haven't really penetrated the district, because, as he put it, every man has to stand on his own two feet.

The lack of organized crime, however, is more frightening than comforting. With organized crime, there's a rhythm to violence. You know exactly who you need to appease to survive. You know exactly how much your life is worth to them. And you know when you might die. But the district specializes in random violence that isn't exactly random. Sure, those who live risky lifestyles are in more danger, but there are still too many who stumble onto violence unwittingly. I almost would prefer organized crime, where at least you know where the mines are.

In most ways, however, there is nothing original about violence. It's as old as time itself, and I often wonder if is stitched into our DNA.