Argument Against Gang Graffiti

Gang Graffiti

When you think of graffiti do you think of gang tags and inappropriate invasion of space? Without question, graffiti is found most frequently in the underprivileged sections of town more so than the upper middle class neighborhoods. Although none are immune if the opportunity presents itself – say at 3 a.m. to a passerby who just happens to be in possession of a spray can or two of paint.

What is the drive behind graffiti? Why is there a need to express an impulse that is continually demonstrated outside the confines of respect for personal space? My cousin Joe, an all-around handyman, told me he was on a water heater repair job and found graffiti in the basement of a customer’s house in the burbs. A testimonial that

In low income areas frustration abounds and boredom prevails. Some gang taggers have perfected their style to the point where they now consider themselves legitimate artists. In this writer’s opinion, I would agree, but I think some of their earlier work is worthy of being called fine art, as well. Graffiti pushes boundaries. Is it a legitimate art form? In a world where boundaries are hazy at best, and non-existent in most cases when it comes to artistic expression, there is no line to be drawn. Some graffiti artists have gone on to be so well known that they are commissioned by city governments. Because graffiti can be customized to a neighborhood or community’s particular message it has become a sought after service. It is versatile, unique and has the ability to transform a space for anyone within eyesight. Back to the original question; Where does the urge to begin this non-violent act of vandalism come from in the first place? When a message is given under the cloak of darkness or anonymity, it clearly makes the point that it’s a ‘we against them’ communication. The act undoubtedly defies authority. For youth who cannot be heard in a more mainstream way, they make their voices loud and undeniably heard through the “secret” language of