Discipline
Graffiti: Vandalism or Art
The debate between graffiti being a form of vandalism, or a form of art has become a major issue within the urban community. Some people view graffiti as a form of vandalism because of the act of defacing property. Others may view graffiti as a form of art and self expression. Although its artistic merits cannot be denied, graffiti is still in fact a form of vandalism.
There are four primary motivating factors for graffiti vandalism: fame, rebellion, self expression, and power. Graffiti vandals that use graffiti for fame choose a style that attracts the eye of the urban community. In this form of graffiti vandalism, the vandal uses a “tag” style of writing. This style of graffiti is the most popular and common form found on surfaces in a community. The vandal tags his or her name using spray paint or marker as a signature to gain recognition and compete with other vandals. Vacant properties, factories and bridges, fall victim to graffiti vandalism. Vandals will also use graffiti as a form of rebellion. One common way graffiti is used by rebellious vandals is by disseminating political ideas. The political agendas being promoted varies depending on the individual(s). Both sides of a political rebellion use their own form of graffiti to communicate their beliefs. This form of vandalism is usually found on political murals that depict societal issues. Urban youth use graffiti vandalism as a form of self expression. Most of the graffiti produced by urban youth reflects the Hip-Hop culture. The form of graffiti used by urban youth is called “throw-ups”. Throw ups are two color designs that resemble bubble lettering. Public places such as schools, subway tunnels, and recreation centers are common places that bare this form of graffiti vandalism. Graffiti vandalism can also be associated with street gangs. The graffiti used by street gangs usually sends a message of power to other gangs. Street gangs use this form of
The debate between graffiti being a form of vandalism, or a form of art has become a major issue within the urban community. Some people view graffiti as a form of vandalism because of the act of defacing property. Others may view graffiti as a form of art and self expression. Although its artistic merits cannot be denied, graffiti is still in fact a form of vandalism.
There are four primary motivating factors for graffiti vandalism: fame, rebellion, self expression, and power. Graffiti vandals that use graffiti for fame choose a style that attracts the eye of the urban community. In this form of graffiti vandalism, the vandal uses a “tag” style of writing. This style of graffiti is the most popular and common form found on surfaces in a community. The vandal tags his or her name using spray paint or marker as a signature to gain recognition and compete with other vandals. Vacant properties, factories and bridges, fall victim to graffiti vandalism. Vandals will also use graffiti as a form of rebellion. One common way graffiti is used by rebellious vandals is by disseminating political ideas. The political agendas being promoted varies depending on the individual(s). Both sides of a political rebellion use their own form of graffiti to communicate their beliefs. This form of vandalism is usually found on political murals that depict societal issues. Urban youth use graffiti vandalism as a form of self expression. Most of the graffiti produced by urban youth reflects the Hip-Hop culture. The form of graffiti used by urban youth is called “throw-ups”. Throw ups are two color designs that resemble bubble lettering. Public places such as schools, subway tunnels, and recreation centers are common places that bare this form of graffiti vandalism. Graffiti vandalism can also be associated with street gangs. The graffiti used by street gangs usually sends a message of power to other gangs. Street gangs use this form of