A passage from Jeanna's article tells us some of the experiments the researchers did:
"In two other experiments, the researchers found that graffiti and litter can lead to stealing. They stuck an envelope that contained cash partway into a mailbox so that passersby could see the envelope and the money within. In one scenario, graffiti covered the mailbox. And 25 percent of passersby stole the envelope from the graffiti-covered mailbox, while just 13 percent stole from the clean mailbox.When litter was scattered around the clean mailbox, nearly 30 percent of passersby stole the envelope, compared with the 13 percent in the litter-free and graffiti-free scenario."
In another article that I have read, the author dives into the modern day perspective of graffiti. Killian Tobin states that graffiti started off as a form of artistic expressions from young people. It was a way to get kids, especially young boys, to show off their artistic skills and thoughts to the world, until it started getting onto the walls of private property owners. This is where things got out of hand when graffiti artists had to compete for space and private owners were offended by their markings. They started to categorize artistic graffiti as gang graffiti. It is very unfortunate that something so beautiful could have a bad reputation because of what other's judge.
"Artistic Graffiti"
This is art.
"Gang Graffiti"
This is not art.
I, too agree that this form of art grew into an activity that vandalizes personal space of a private owner, but I don't think people should be scared every time they see a design or a basic word written on the wall. Spray painting art in the public may be illegal, but it won't stop those who rebel against it from expressing themselves to the public.
Though graffiti is a crime, it is still art. Maybe we should try covering up those gang signs instead.
I liked your post on the graffiti topic. I too think that graffiti is art. My girlfriend used to do competitions in Norfolk and they would pay big money if you were the best. I do think there is a big difference between art graffiti and vandalism.
ReplyDeleteI also think graffiti can be both art and a nuisance. But it can be even more than that. It can be a form of oppression and intimidation. I lived in a community a few years ago that bordered MS-13 "territory" and every couple of days either kids in awe of the gang members or gang members themselves would intimidate homeowners by graffiti-scrawling on sides of homes, fences, etc. It was unnerving and frustrating. For one thing, the markings denoted "territory" on what was obviously not the graffiti artist's property. For another, it served as a constant reminder of neighborhood unrest and tension.
ReplyDeleteSo how about a part 3? What can communities do to hinder gang graffiti while supporting the burgeoning artistic impulses of young, impressionable kids?
I really like this post. You make a good point. Graffiti and art really are two entirely different things. They are also easy to tell apart. Not many people can paint as well as the photo of artistic graffiti. I have a friend who is amazing at painting and specializes in art like the photo provided.
ReplyDelete