by C. M. KING

Created on: October 22, 2010   Last Updated: October 26, 2010

Is Graffiti Art?

Graffiti An American Canvas:The fine line drawn between vandalism and art. 

Graffiti is like the tattooing of a city that  falls asleep on the bus and wakes up with a red and white bullseye on the middle of its forehead. The messages, whether they are stemming from the roots of racial backlash or dispersing a need for cultural awareness, if they are on property not owned by the "artist", they are an act of vandalism.  When did the word 'vandal'  become another word for 'artist'?  Oh yeah.  It didn't!

Vandalism is an act of destruction that shows a lack of respect for society. It is the first crack in the wall of a house with an unstable foundation. Is destruction an art form? No! Desecration of public and/or personal property is a crime and should be punished as such. Why do we feel we need to show respect for those who show no respect to others? It only contributes to the madness, it doesn't institute in the offender that an offense has been committed.  Giving accolades to these criminals as talented artists is positive reinforcement for a negative behavior. I say, "Ban their brushes and cap their cans!" 

In metropolitan areas where gang violence can get ugly, you may tell yourself, "Well they could be doing something much worse." Shame on you!  You need to expect more from your elected officials and fight for more youth-oriented programs to help these children make more responsible choices. Fight to give them a place that both encourages their talents and provides a safe haven for them, as some of these children have no one to look up to, no one to fight for them.

Graffiti isn't art. It's a blatant disregard for established boundaries, and for order in our society.   

If a community wants to encourage the artistic endeavors of its youth, it should sponsor a beautification project, and let the artists go wild. I am an art supporter. I am not a vandal supporter.  

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