Trash culture often glorifies destructive behaviours; both behaviours that are self destructive (smoking, binge drinking, drug abuse, risky sex, anti-intellectualism) and ones that are harmful to others (violence, crime, homophobia, racism, xenophobia). The focus of much trash culture is short-term gain or pleasure, with little regard for the long term, or for those outside of a specific group.

A major tool that government has to deal with trash culture through the legal system. Governments make the laws and enforce them. These are primary way that governments deal with trash culture. Britain, and many other countries, have reduced smoking through anti-public-smoking laws and regulations. Canada has anti-hate laws in place making it a punishable offense to promote hatred or violence against others because of things like race, religion, or sexual preference. Governments set legal drinking ages to try and discourage youth from drinking.

Some governments focus more on punishment of bad behaviours. This is to provide both retribution for the crime committed and, it is hoped, to deter others from committing the same crime. Other governments try to rehabilitate people so that they can become productive members of society.

Education is another way that governments deals with trash culture. Safe/safer sex campaigns are common in many countries. Governments provide programs, or fund programs, that help people to overcome addictions to alcohol or drugs or gambling. ‘Safe Schools’ programs have been put into schools to discourage bullying and homophobic violence. Anti-racism campaigns seek to educate the public at large.

These are some examples of what government does to deal with trash culture.

Source:

1. Crabtree, Vexen. “UK Trash Culture”, (http://www.vexen.co.uk/UK/trashculture.html) 15-Sep-2010