Cities and violence

Martin Amis reports from the streets of Colombia - and draws a vivid picture of a culture of violence.

How does he describe the social make-up of the barrios or neighbourhoods? How does violence weave itself into the practice and experience of everyday life?

Are these scenarios reserved only for stories of the 'third-world'? How do these descriptions compare and contrast with stories you have heard about American inner-cities? And when do Canadian cities get discussed in these ways?