Vandals or Artists in disguise
Los Angeles 2013, sirens begin to flash, a loud shriek from a cop car sounds the busy streets of L.A, and two bulky police men storm out of their car. “ Stop! Put your hands up!” The police shout while running towards an individual with a spray can aimed towards a building. The man with the can tosses the can to the floor, and he remains standing still, obeying the police man’s every command. The individual is arrested on the spot for vandalizing public property. The man is read his rights, and is thrown in the back of the squad car. The cop car zooms away. Citizens come out of local business, and coffee shops to take a look at the vandalisim that just took place. The people of the city stare in awe at the huge building that now contains a mural of a family sitting under a tree enjoying their dinner during a sun set. The people whip out cell phones to take pictures of the amazing sight. The image that this man has drawn is now on every social media network. People arguing back and forth on whether this is a beautiful piece of art or just another tagging. Tagging is a form of vandalisim and it is a problem in many cities, but what about works of art? When was creating a master piece considered a crime? Understanding the difference along with the fine line that differentiates street artists and taggers is very crucial. Being a street artist consists of passion, self expression, and being true to ones self whereas tagging consists of being a thug.…