Opinion
“Fixing Broken Windows”
What is the “Broken Windows Theory?”
The Broken Windows theory refers to an article by sociologists Dr. James Q. Wilson and Dr. George Kelling that first appeared in the Atlantic Monthly in March 1982. In that article, the authors put forth the hypothesis that general disorder in communities contributes to the rise of serious crimes. The article focused on the analogy of a broken window. If a window is broken and not repaired quickly, soon more windows will be broken as the perception that no one cares about the building. When many of the windows have been broken, the feeling is created that no one cares about the street and soon other structures will be vandalized. Other quality of life crimes begin to establish themselves, litter accumulates and drug and gang activities become more common. Gradually, this disorder makes residents feel unsafe and they abandon the street to the “dangerous elements” that they believe already have control. This exacerbates the problem, causing the sale of homes and the failure businesses. Soon the area becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, experiencing serious crime. Since that first article, several studies by George Kelling and others have revealed strong link between quality of life crimes, citizen fear, and the rise of serious crime, confirming Broken Windows Theory.
Litter and graffiti can act like broken windows. If not corrected these problems create the impression that no one cares about the area and making it seem dangerous. Think about it. What are some of the clues that you use to determine if a neighborhood is safe or prosperous? The absence of litter and graffiti are probably on your list. The good news is that just as broken windows can be fixed, so can litter and graffiti problems. We all have a part to play in keeping our neighborhoods free of these dual threats. To find out more about the Broken Windows theory, read “Fixing Broken Windows Restoring Order and Reducing Crime in Our Communities” by George Kelling.
Litter Prevention Basics
Did You Know?
Much of littering is accidental. For example, it flies out of truck beds or blow away from setting at the curb for pickup.
Many types of roadside trash take years, if not hundreds of years, to disintegrate.
Local, state and federal governments spend millions of dollars in tax money annually removing litter due to carelessness – money needed for other important services.
Litter detracts from our state’s and communities beauty, decreases property values and, over time, could cost Jacksonville in economic value.
Abandoned tires, left to collect water, breed mosquitoes and vermin increasing the health to surrounding neighborhoods.
What is Litter?
Litter is misplaced solid waste. That includes paper, cigarette butts, illegal signs, abandoned cars, old tires, furniture, appliances and any other items that are disposed improperly.
Why Do People Litter?
People litter for one of three reasons. The feel like it’s OK to litter:
Where they feel no sense of ownership for the property.
Where someone else will clean up after them.
Where litter has already accumulated.
What Can You Do?
There are many ways that you can help eliminate litter in your community. Here are some simple steps you can take to help prevent litter:
Set an example by not littering.
Pick up one piece of litter every day.
If you haul materials in the back of a truck, be sure to cover your load. Much of the litter on our roadways is accidentally blown out of the back of trucks.
Make sure your trash can have lids that be securely attached. If you have curbside service, don’t put out uncovered containers or open boxes filled with trash.
Carry a litterbag in your car. Try reusing your plastic grocery bags. They make great car litterbags!
Secure papers before placing them in a curbside trash can or recycling bin. Loose papers can be blown by the wind.
Are you or someone in your family a part of a civic group, scouting, or recreational sports program? How about suggesting a cleanup as a public service project? Or find out how you can plant or maintain flowers along a curb, sidewalk or in your local park. People litter less where areas have been beautified.
The most successful way to prevent littering in your community is to have an ongoing, organized program that involves local government, businesses, civic groups, the media, schools and private citizens. Please, Keep Jacksonville Beautiful!
- Opinion
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Spud Nut, Tater Tot both enjoy Salt
Editor’s note: A Jacksonville resident has been reviewing movies for friends for several years and has offered to share his thoughts with Daily Progress readers. His reviews come in personal letters to his nicknamed friend, Spud Nut. Our reviewer is Tater Tot, so consequently, the movies get ratings based on potatoes.
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Nine phone calls and three hours later . . .
It seemed like such an easy thing to do — change the password on my e-mail account.
My free, personal, yahoo.com e-mail account that I have owned for about 12 years.
I’ve changed the password at least 25 times since I started it when I was in graduate school.
It’s an e-mail account I refuse to give up without a fight.
It was hacked recently, though. In fact, it was hacked twice in two weeks. -
Where is the real hypocrisy?
In the July 9, issue of the Daily Progress there appeared two letters which were each captioned by “hipocracy” [sic.]. I think the letter writers or at least the editors actually meant “hypocrisy”. [Next time they should at least use their computers to check the proper spelling of such words!]
These two letters are the latest in a series of such sarcastic letters by the same two authors. In their usual fashion many of the arguments utilize the same type of “non sequitur” reasoning they had been using all during the recent alcohol campaign. -
Woe, woe, woe
Jacksonville finally voted wet!
We’re told every day to look for the total collapse of our town.
Truth is, Jacksonville has always been wet. -
Inception earns four-tater rating
Editor’s note: A Jacksonville resident has been reviewing movies for friends for several years and has offered to share his thoughts with Daily Progress readers. His reviews come in personal letters to his nicknamed friend, Spud Nut. Our reviewer is Tater Tot, so consequently, the movies get ratings based on potatoes.
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Middle School Madness
I recently stumbled across some old school memorabilia of Lee’s and Brittany’s from their Middle School days – a collection of great little books called Middle School Madness. Evidently, the students were allowed to make these books in one of their classes, and they are so cool.
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Sorcerer’s Apprentice worth seeing again
Editor’s note: A Jacksonville resident has been reviewing movies for friends for several years and has offered to share his thoughts with Daily Progress readers. His reviews come in personal letters to his nicknamed friend, Spud Nut. Our reviewer is Tater Tot, so consequently, the movies get ratings based on potatoes.
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Spud Nut, Tater Tot love Despicable Me
Editor’s note: A Jacksonville resident has been reviewing movies for friends for several years and has offered to share his thoughts with Daily Progress readers. His reviews come in personal letters to his nicknamed friend, Spud Nut. Our reviewer is Tater Tot, so consequently, the movies get ratings based on potatoes.
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Shame, shame, shame
When I was a kid, I watched Gomer Pyle. One of the things I always remember is him saying, “Shame. Shame. Shame.”
Those words came to mind recently when Jacksonville started selling beer and wine. -
A slap in the face
There is a critical issue that affects the national security of America — and the safety of all Americans.
It is a wide-open platform in U.S. civilian courts for the Sept. 11, 2001, mastermind, the Christmas bomber and other terrorists. - More Opinion Headlines
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Spud Nut, Tater Tot both enjoy Salt
