Self

Reveals the history and worldwide scope of plastics pollution, investigates its toxicity and explores solutions. From styrofoam cups to artificial organs, plastics are perhaps the most ubiquitous and versatile material ever invented. No invention in the past 100 years has had more influence and presence than synthetics. But such progress has had a cost.

Explores the problem of child molestation. Presents several case studies and has interviews of the offender, victim, and the offender's wife. Explores such issues as motivation, childhood sexual experiences or abuse of the offender, and long-term effects of the molestation upon offender, victim, and family unit. Shows individual counseling sessions and group therapy in progress. Has interviews with legal and mental health professionals who counsel offenders and victims. Discusses the question of whether a child molester is a criminal or is mentally ill, and points out that therapy provides temporary controls but may not provide a cure.

The nature and complexity of the welfare system is explored in sequences illustrating the staggering diversity of constituting problems: housing, unemployment, divorce, medical and psychiatric problems, abandoned and abused children, and the elderly. These issues are presented in a context where workers as well as clients struggle to cope with and interpret the laws and regulations that govern their livelihood.