Comment by BeetleB

Not taking a stand on either side, but your parent is correct. This isn't a European thing - but true in most countries.

And yes, things like race are a primary reason (for good or bad).

And yes, as my Spanish friend keeps pointing out: While the US has a large homicide rate, they can't beat the Europeans when it comes to pogroms, mass killings, etc every so many decades. Europe will be, well, Europe.