NCJ Number
140244
Journal
Criminology Australia Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (April/May 1992) Pages: 6-9
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article illustrates the growing problem of law and order in Papua New Guinea through three vignettes.
Abstract
The first vignette describes how Western influences, and specifically Western films, are shaping the young of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Unfortunately, many films portray scenes of brutal violence, lawlessness, and a disregard for human life and dignity. To youth of an emerging country like PNG, it may be difficult to distinguish between movies and real Western behavior. The final two vignettes concern the rise in "rascalism," or gang activity. The first of these provides an overview of the development of the rascal gangs, largely comprised of youth who emigrated to the city from the rural areas in search of a better life. Disillusioned with what they found, and confused by the disparity between the wealthy and the poor, they turned to crime and, as their numbers grew, became organized into gangs. The last vignette relates the story of one initiative to draw a gang away from robbery and into a sponsored work project where the youth could earn money at some legal enterprise (in this case, painting over graffiti on public buildings).