Yes.  I think what's going on in Chicago is inexcusable and disgusting.

Yes, I think that parents and communities have contributed to this problem.

But is it uniquely American?  No.

Raise your damn kids not to be spolied brats.  There are violent brats in many countries, more so in the US and Europe because we think we're so modern and special in our treatment of kids.

Teach your kids SELF-respect and PERSONAL responsibility.  Don't raise them to think that conforming to and following a herd mentality is the best way to get through life.  Don't excuse their screw ups.  Point them out and help them rise above and learn from them.

Angry, self-loathing teems blaming their problems on others are the root of every case of teen violence.  Every. Case.

Don't go about blaming the media.  The movies.  Videogames.  All  you are doing is teaching your children that it's not THEIR fault.  You're excusing their behavior and scapegoating someone else.

In short, throwing money at the problem won't fix it.  It needs to start at home.  Stop having children if you are not ready to raise them.  Stop glorifying violence and teen pregnancy in your community.  And STOP treating people who make poor choices like "victims".  Treat them as the bad examples that they really are.

On a personal note: I played all GTA games.  Guess what?  I never stole a car or even committed a single crime in my life.  I'm not even tempted to.  But I LOVE those games.

That's the difference in how I was raised.  Poor, single parent home.  But a home centered around necessity, not desire.  I was not allowed to skip out on chores, throw fits in stores or break any of the ground rules set in place.  I was held accountable for my homework, my bedtime, my curfew.  I was constantly reminded of the What-Ifs facing me should I slip up or misalign myself with the wrong people or the wrong goals.  If a family member went to jail, they were not treated as a victim, they were treated as a criminal brought to justice.  When I slipped up,  got detention or got bad grades, I was lectured.  Even when I didn't want to hear it, i was still lectured.

My mother never gave up on me.  So I never gave up on myself.

Chicago, the problem started when you taught your children the word "snitch" in the first place.  It's called honesty.  Telling the truth should never, NEVER be treated like a bad thing.  This is your fault and it's sad to watch.