The Danger of ‘Collective illusions’ About Crime

Abstract

Is it even possible to have an honest discussion about solutions to crime without first discussing whether criminals are in fact responsible for the crimes they commit? Just as importantly, what makes this such a difficult discussion to have? In his 2022 book, Collective Illusions, Todd Rose refers to beliefs that one holds but fears to express due to the unfounded perceptions that such beliefs are out of step with the majority. The perception ultimately becomes the reality, since we are not very good at guessing what the majority actually thinks.