Comment by JohnFen
> armed guards in gentrified neighborhoods
It's interesting, isn't it? When I see armed guards, regardless of the setting, the message I get is not "you're safe", it's "this area is so dangerous that they need armed guards".
I have the same reaction (albeit to a lesser degree) when I see surveillance cameras, especially ones installed by regular people.
Very interesting, indeed! I deliberate over this far too much for my own mental health. Feedback loops on feedback loops.
My life experience has been such that... I'll worry about the things these guards are supposed to be here for if/when it happens. It won't, and if it does, I know how to handle myself. It probably won't be the first, second, or third time. I consider anyone with a weapon a liability. Including me... but especially 'not me'.
The cameras are so gross. Please don't subscribe to surveillance, talk to your neighbors! If only community were really so easy...