I doubt that middle income or rich people would commit crime if they were put into poverty.
wealthier people WILL resort to crime if unemployment skyrockets... and they become poor. It happens to EVERY race, EVERY group.... throughout history.... crime ALWAYS rises when unemployment goes up.
Don't try and deny this... or you will lose the argument.... simply say that YES it exists... BUT... that it is Not NEARLY as significant as culture and upbringing. If you are brought up by parents who are thugs... and listen to music that glorifies thugs, and your friends are thugs.... chances are.... you will be a thug.
But if Joe Vietnamese grows up with two parents who teaches right from wrong... and is taught the importance of going to school.... they will NOT resort to violence no matter HOW poor they are.
Its 90% upbringing 10% economic environment (It might be 40% upbringing 40% race (Black/non-black) 10% econ... but dont bring that up as it will get you nowhere)