NCJ Number
66703
Date Published
1972
Length
0 pages
Annotation
INTENDED FOR ELEMENTARY AND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, THIS FILM EXPLORES SOME POSSIBLE REASONS FOR VANDALISM AND REMINDS THE AUDIENCE THAT LITTERING AND VANDALISM ARE AGAINST THE LAW.
Abstract
STARTING WITH A DRAMATIC SCENE OF A YOUNG MAN UNABLE TO USE A VANDALIZED PAY TELEPHONE AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT, THE FILM INTERSPERSES BRIEF SCENES OF VANDALISM WITH THOSE OF A YOUNG NARRATOR DISCUSSING THE 'WHY'S' OF VANDALISM. HE SUGGESTS THAT VANDALS MAY BE STILL LIVING OUT THE DESTRUCTIVE PHASE OF CHILDHOOD, THAT THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO BUILD CONSTRUCTIVELY, OR THAT--AS IN THE CASE OF LITTER--THEY DO THESE THINGS WITHOUT THINKING. HE REMINDS THE AUDIENCE THAT THE COSTS OF VANDALISM ARE EXTENSIVE, THAT THE MONEY USED ON REPAIRING DAMAGE DONE TO PUBLIC PROPERTY COULD BE SPENT ON SUCH PROJECTS AS FREE LUNCHES FOR CHILDREN OR BETTER EQUIPMENT, AND THAT THERE ARE MANY EXAMPLES OF CONSTRUCTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL WORK THAT NEEDS DOING AND COULD FILL UP IDLE TIME. HE ALSO EMPHASIZES THAT VANDALISM MEANS BREAKING THE LAW AND THAT PARENTS OFTEN HAVE TO PAY THE PENALTIES. (AOP)