School Billboard

I teach English at Manual Arts High School, one of the oldest high schools in Los Angeles. Until recently, I was reminded of how old this campus is daily as I entered the administration building to sign in. Displayed, prominently, on the opposite wall from the main office was a plaque commemorating Manual Arts alumni who served in the armed services during World War I. It was a beautifully hand-drawn memorial documenting the names of those students who had served and those who had died. This humble plaque served as a direct link between this school and history.

The plaque is gone. It has been replaced by a very large electronic billboard. Two-thirds of the billboard’s area is committed to advertising popular candy. Its primary purpose is to peddle candy to teenagers who already follow notoriously bad diets.

I am unhappy and frustrated. This thing on the wall is perfectly legal. I can’t even appeal to my union. Yet, this seems so wrong.

PAUL ALI

Sunland