Pubdate: Wed, 08 Jun 2005 Source: Quesnel Cariboo Observer (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Quesnel Cariboo Observer Contact: http://www.quesnelobserver.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1260 Author: Matt Wood DRUG CULTURE NOT CONFINED TO ONE SPOT We had some interesting information from Quesnel RCMP this week that got us thinking about stereotypes. When many of us read about a drug bust, we probably associate certain neighbourhoods with where it must have gone down. Because some sections of town look a little rougher around the edges, that must be where the criminal element live and ply their trade. At least that's what we're tempted to believe. But the Quesnel drug section told us drugs are prevalent all over Quesnel and the surrounding area. It's not a problem that's linked to just one location. It's just as likely that someone in an affluent neighbourhood is getting crack cocaine delivered to their door as someone living in a not-so-affluent neighbourhood. It's convenient to blame rampant crime on income problems, but it's just not that simple. Because someone makes less than someone else at the end of the week doesn't mean they're drug dealers selling heroin to school children. And because someone lives in a home that needs a little care doesn't mean he or she is spending all available income getting high. Just a thought to keep some of us from feeling too haughty when we drive past certain neighbourhoods in town. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh