So it was only natural that cameras recorded thousands of ticket mongers camped out around theaters days and even weeks before the opening of "Star Wars Episode I."
Journalists, however, focused on the costumed geeks, their tents and sleeping bags, the around-the-clock party atmosphere. A cultural phenomenon.
Unfortunately, newsies ignored the fact that many of the campers were preteens and teenagers without adult supervision--violating curfew and truancy laws.
Hey,you say, there were adult campers present. Sure, but those adults didn't have legal responsibility (in loco parentis) for the kids.
As some campers undoubtedly drank alcohol and smoked dope, perhaps even contributing to the delinquency of their juvenile neighbors in line, did law-enforcement or private security officers patrol and protect the campers? Unlikely.
Did police and truant officers check IDs and take anyone into custody for curfew or truancy violations? Doubtful.
Did America's schools take note of their high absentee rates, take names and kick butts when their students finally returned to school and showed off their prized premiere tickets? Hardly.
Clearly, the nation's police force wasn't with them. And don't even mention the so-called enhancement of family values. (23 MAY 1999)
