In Alaska, we have one form of control against criminal behavior that is fascinating to me. It doesn't always work, I know, (because I know of several cases in Juneau where an elderly Tlingit person was murdered by young Tlingits) but the Native Alaskan community teaches itself the rule of respecting its elders.

It works a treat, as you might say. I have invoked it in a situation where a young Native man was drunk and belligerent against a white female (me). All I said was something like 'I have always admired the Native attitude toward respecting one's elders.'

The man apologized immediately, and to the best of his intoxicated ability proceeded into conversation with me.

Another time I joined some young people at a bus stop. One girl, maybe 14 years old, started kicking the plexiglas siding on the shelter. Without stopping to think twice, I said, sharply: Knock it off!

She did so immediately and none of the four or five youngsters with her challenged me. Indeed, I went on to make some innocuous comment about weather or whatever and they responded.