What underlying cause contributes to the perception of increased crime in neighborhoods with larger African American populations, despite actual crime rates being controlled?

The perception of increased crime in neighborhoods with larger African American populations often comes from a mix of historical stereotypes, media portrayals, and social biases. Even when actual crime rates are similar to those in other neighborhoods, people might still believe that crime is higher because they see more negative news stories about these areas. This can create a cycle where fear and mistrust build up, leading to more negative perceptions, regardless of the reality. For example, if a local news station frequently reports on crimes in a predominantly African American neighborhood, viewers may start to associate that community with crime, even if statistics show it's not worse than others. Understanding these perceptions helps us recognize the impact of bias and the importance of looking at facts rather than assumptions.