Save the movie theatre at all cost!

In 2000, Malcolm Gladwell wrote a very interesting book titled The Tipping Point. The subtitle is: “How little things can make a big difference”. Well, rather than “Tipping Points” I like to refer to them as “Tilting Points.”

If you can remember back when you were a child and you were playing on a seesaw, when you won, you were on the bottom (ground), and your adversary was on top, or up in the air. Sometimes it took more than one person on the seesaw to gain the “upper edge.”

There are so many “Tilting Points” in life and in society. Take Saipan, for example. During the last two years we have existed in an environ wherein just about everything around us appears to be in trouble.

Lately, the biggest issue has been CUC. We are all struggling with both the power outages and the thought that we may have to go lengthy periods of time with no power.

Many are concerned about CHC and both the lack of doctors and the retention of those doctors that we have; the school system, wherein some of the basic necessities (toilet paper) are lacking; and, NMC, wherein accreditation has become a significant issue.

We have, as a community, weathered all of the above, and many more issues. But then, last week, the movie theatre closed, perhaps for good. I perceive this as a “tilting point.” This is literally the “straw” that finally “tilts” our society into an abyss.

There is so little culture on island, and there are so few places in society to experience “escape” from reality. Movies provide both. And now they are gone. Sure, we can wait for the films to come out on DVDs and rent them for a fraction of the cost to go to the movies. But who would argue that it’s the same? Try, if ever you can, a Friday night here, and witness the many teenagers mingling with each other. It’s a “safe” place to be!

My sense is that this closing will affect more people in more ways than we realize. Children of all ages enjoy the movies. Adults go frequently, especially when there are quality films.

Losing the movie theatre may seem like a minor issue among all of the major issues facing us right now, but it is truly a “tilting point.” Other businesses that are on the “edge” may find it easier to close. People, who are considering leaving island may now find it easier to make the decision to leave. This is a major “quality of life” issue.

I was chatting with a business executive a few days ago, and he hinted that a big corporation would step in and re-open the theatre. I certainly hope someone does this.

The Governor suggested raising the price of the tickets. That should certainly be on the menu of options to restore the theatre. I always feel it is much too cold inside the theatre. If I forget my sweater I have to leave. It seems to me that the temps could be raised to the mid-70s, and fans installed in strategic locations. Surely that would significantly lower the CUC bills. The hours can be reduced on most days, but certainly there should be options for children of all ages. First-run movies can be brought in weeks after they come out to reduce the rental fees.

I’m certain there are many additional options to reduce costs and re-establish movies on Saipan. It is a morale issue, and an important one. And, it is a “tilting point” of major proportions.