11 English

Reading / Writing

This is the article Chamindu’s sister found on vandalism. Read it and do the activities that follow.

VANDALISM /vændəlizəm/

Vandalism is an offence that is caused when a person deliberately destroys, alters or defaces someone else's property without permission. It is mostly aimed at public property such as public transport services, bus stops, parks, road signs and other public places. It can also occur at individual level too such as scratching someone’s car or distorting the information on a person’s website.

Among many reasons, personal attitudes and basic social problems are at the root of vandalism. It may occur because of a lack of meaningful activities, disciplinary problems, and negative feelings such as revenge, boredom, anger, and frustration. It can be the result of peer group pressure, playfulness, curiosity, and pleasure too.

Although most vandals do not have a clear motive for their acts, and may consider it as a simple act of fun or art. However, it is a punishable crime with imprisonment, monetary fines, or both as laws exist in a country to prevent vandalism. Certain effects of vandalism are considered insignificant while others are considered extremely severe. However, it is a problem that affects everyone in some way or other.

It can affect one’s family, friends, and the community. When facilities, such as public transport services, parks and public restrooms are vandalized, it makes using such places unpleasant and demoralizing. As a result of vandalism, fire and emergency services are affected by increased workloads. Citizens of a country pay their taxes in order to build a better community for the future generation. But when public property is vandalized, they are the ones who have to pay for the damage.

There are different approaches that can be taken to prevent vandalism. It can be done by educating individuals, especially the young people about its consequences and nature. Another way to prevent vandalism is to use property designs such as ceramic tiles on walls which are easy to clean. In addition, rough textured surfaces where scrawling with graffiti is impossible, reduce vandalistic behaviour in public places. An essential approach to reducing vandalism is to monitor the condition of a property regularly. Studies reveal that vandalism carried out by individuals of all ages increases when people think they are left out from the society or community. Thus, involvement in community activities canencourage a sense of belonging and pride which will help them to respect and think positively about their community. Everyone should understand the duties and responsibilities of a citizen and decide what is right and what is wrong. Therefore, in preventing vandalism, self-discipline plays a bigger role than laws.

i) In column A there are some actions related to vandalism. Match them with their meanings in column B.