Graffiti is not vandalism
"When it comes to graffiti, beauty must be in the eye of the beholder."
Thomas Graves
Issue date: 10/17/07 Section: Voice
Graffiti is not vandalism, but an art form. It is a form of expression that is becoming more and more misunderstood by the common man. What may not be considered art by one person, a spray painted wall is another man's "Mona Lisa". When it comes to graffiti, beauty must be in the eye of the beholder.
The word "graffiti" itself is derived from the Greek word graphien, meaning "to write". This later became the Latin word graffito. Graffiti is a drawing, scribbling, or writing on a flat surface. In today's world, we connect graffiti with the New York and Hip Hop style from the 1970's.
When a cave is discovered with ancient drawings on the wall it isn't considered graffiti. It's considered artwork and a part of history. In reality, isn't that all graffiti in the 21st century is? People creating art and displaying our times history should not be considered a crime, but rejoiced.
Pro-graffiti web sites post thousands of photos from Japan, South America, Australia, South Africa, and Europe. One of the most famous graffiti artists is Banksy. Living in Europe no one really knows who he is but, his artwork is one of the most recognizable within the graffiti world.
The sad thing is one man can ruin the reputation for all who pick up a spray can - like gangs and people who are tagging places just to put their name up or represent the gang they're from. Maybe one day a graffiti artist will be talked about with the likes of Picasso and Michelangelo.
The word "graffiti" itself is derived from the Greek word graphien, meaning "to write". This later became the Latin word graffito. Graffiti is a drawing, scribbling, or writing on a flat surface. In today's world, we connect graffiti with the New York and Hip Hop style from the 1970's.
When a cave is discovered with ancient drawings on the wall it isn't considered graffiti. It's considered artwork and a part of history. In reality, isn't that all graffiti in the 21st century is? People creating art and displaying our times history should not be considered a crime, but rejoiced.
Pro-graffiti web sites post thousands of photos from Japan, South America, Australia, South Africa, and Europe. One of the most famous graffiti artists is Banksy. Living in Europe no one really knows who he is but, his artwork is one of the most recognizable within the graffiti world.
The sad thing is one man can ruin the reputation for all who pick up a spray can - like gangs and people who are tagging places just to put their name up or represent the gang they're from. Maybe one day a graffiti artist will be talked about with the likes of Picasso and Michelangelo.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 34
Jason
posted 10/25/07 @ 9:07 PM PST
graffiti is vandalism, for the simple fact that you're destroying public property. Defacing it, would be the proper term.
cave drawings arent vandalism. (Continued…)
Dave
posted 12/16/07 @ 7:45 PM PST
it really depends on the motive of the individual, and more importantly where
Kaliene Kopp
posted 4/28/08 @ 11:40 AM PST
GRAFFITI IS NOT A CRIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHEN WRIGHTING NAMES IT'S A FORM OF GETTING OUT WITHOUT HAVING TO GET OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AS LONG AS IT'S NOT DIRTY OR RACES IT SHOULD BE ALRIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
R. Greco
posted 5/02/08 @ 1:07 PM PST
It is vandalism when you have to clean up after the person that defaced the area. I know, I cleaned graffiti on the Delta Campus for 18 years. It costs time, money, and resources to remove it, plus keeps you from being able to do other necessary work while you are removing it from the same area day after day, week after week,and year after year. (Continued…)
monet
posted 5/08/08 @ 6:33 PM PST
it is a crime. why do you think people get arrested for it? I do understand some people saying it is an artform though. i personally think some looks pretty cool and i like looking at it. (Continued…)
xvazquezjr207
Xavier Vazquez
posted 5/12/08 @ 12:34 PM PST
yes it is because it is an apriate thing to do that stupid people does!!!!
dbaroni474
posted 6/11/08 @ 1:24 PM PST
I DO THINK THAT GRAFFITI IS BEAUTIFUL..BUT THERE IZ A CERTAIN TIME AND PLACE FOR IT..MAYBE THERE SHOULD BE A SPECIAL SPOT ON THE CAMPUS FOR PEOPLE TO TAG. (Continued…)
Jesse
posted 6/17/08 @ 1:50 PM PST
Bottom line. If you don't own it, then don't tag it. Graffiti is against the law. Tagging is typically gang related. How would you like it if someone painted their name or gang sign all over your brand new porsche? How would you like it if someone painted your home that you own. (Continued…)
Aaron L.
posted 8/15/08 @ 2:14 PM PST
Whether or not graffiti is art, if it's done where the common man or property owner doesn't want it, then it's de facto a crime (actually, a tort). In response to one of the posts above me, I would add that it's also possible for hoards of delinquents with spray cans to ruin it for one artist (who might be the only graffiti artist in the world, actually). (Continued…)
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posted 8/18/08 @ 12:37 AM PST
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