Conversation Questions

Chapter: Crime
1. Are some parts of this city considered more dangerous than others? Which parts?
Yes, there are some parts of this city that are considered more dangerous than
others. The first place I can think of is La Perla, in Old San Juan, where theres a
lot of drug trafficking. Another dangerous place is Loiza, especially around the
food business areas, where there have been several criminal acts reported recently.
Also, residentials and nearby areas are dangerous to even walk by, if you dont
know the area, and if the people there dont know you either.
2. Do you know someone who has been a victim of a violent crime?
Yes I do. A couple of months ago, my best friends mom was walking at a nearby
park, like she regularly does at night. One night as she was walking, a person
jumped behind her, started touching her inappropriately, and then simply ran
away. More recently, my uncles best friend was shot to death at a food business
in Loiza where he regularly spent time with his friends.
3. Do you think abortion is a crime?
Yes, I do think abortion is a crime, because the creature growing inside that uterus
already has life, and a beating heart. Im completely against it. To commit
abortion is to kill an innocent life. Some people say that women can chose what
they do with their body, but that baby is a completely different person. It has its
own body, and it isnt even given a chance to know it.
4. Have you ever witnessed a crime?
Yes I have. One time I was at the supermarket with my mom, and right when we
were about to pay, a man ran outside the store, followed by security guards. The
man attempted to steal some pills, like Panadol or Advils. I was little, and I hid
behind my mom.

5. Have you ever been the victim of a crime? How about others in your family?
Me and my family were victims of a crime a year and half ago. Someone set our
van on fire in front of my house while we were sleeping around 2:00 a.m.
Luckily, nobody got hurt, but we completely lost our van, and some part of the
house was seriously damaged. We know it was intentional, because a gasoline
tank was found under another van we had, with a long wick that apparently didnt
catch fire, that lead to the gasoline tank.
6. What kinds of crimes are increasing?
Possession of illegal substances and police brutality are two of many other crimes
that are increasing. Also, animal abuse, which I think isnt given the attention it
should.
7. Do you think policemen should be allowed to carry guns?
Yes, I think policemen should be allowed to carry guns only for self-defense
during their shift, not for abusing or to intimidate. Policemen risk their lives in
most situations, and they must carry guns, especially these days where almost
anyone has access to them. If criminals carry guns, even if illegally, then
policemen should definitely and legally carry one at all times while in their hours
of duty.
8. Do you drink and drive?
No, I dont drink and drive. I think its very irresponsible, and it could put my life
in risk, as well as other lives.
9. What would you do if you heard a burglar in your house?
If I heard a burglar in my house I would get really nervous and probably start
crying. I know that I should call for help and hide so I wont get caught or hurt
,but the truth is that I wouldnt know how Id react if I ever was in such situation.
10. Do you think graffiti is vandalism or art?
I think graffiti is art. Its another way to express ideas and emotions. I believe
that graffiti artists are very talented and dedicated. Nowadays, many people that
call themselves graffiti artists just paint words or marks that ruin a nice mural or

structure. That is not art, and it is vandalism, because its unnecessary and has no
purpose. A good graffiti in which a message is transmitted, and that it doesnt
damage the appearance of an area but decorates it and is pleasing to look at, is
true art.