most American gun violence (the vast majority) tends to happen in areas that can easily be classified as urban war zones for the same reasons as much of the violence in Mexico. If you’ve been to the areas of Oakland, Chicago, Salinas, etc. that show up a lot, it’s frankly clear that they are.
Much if the South American violence never ends up in an identifiable statistic. Especially in places like Guatemala.
As always with statistics, the collection and context matters a lot.
There is no part of the city of Chicago that in any sense resembles a war zone. Violence on the south and west sides of Chicago is notable in part for how attractive some of the neighborhoods are. Drop a pin on Englewood or Austin and drive around a bit in Google Maps. Tree canopy, big houses, kids playing in the streets.
The violence in these areas is very real, but they aren't no-mans-lands as people so often try to insist they are.
In fact, slums as such have simply disappeared from Chicago, to be replaced by large vacant lots. Some because buildings were torn down after being abandoned, and some, unfortunately, from arson.
Much if the South American violence never ends up in an identifiable statistic. Especially in places like Guatemala.
As always with statistics, the collection and context matters a lot.