Yes Steven Pinker is a pretty famous proponent.
Nassim Taleb, whom I also admire, took issue with some statistical approaches in the book.
Overall I think Pinker is right.
When talking about violence specifically: it is very anecdotal as well.
I spent a year backpacking in Argentina, Brazil and a bit in Columbia. Never had one thing happening.
Yes you need to be careful and you definitely can't walk around as if it is Disney land.
Even in big cities, this are not the same depending on where you go.
What is striking though compared to Europe, is most people you meet have second hand experience (some close to them) who had a violent event happen in their life. You feel violence is a factor that is much closer to everyday life. Nevertheless life goes on, and people live their life, they are not terrified to go outside.
Neither was I. It is a constant vigilance mode though, you have to be aware of your surroundings.
In a sense that is what makes me laugh when I come back to Europe and hear people talk about how bad things are! Compared to South America this is truly Disneyland...