New York's Response to Graffiti

Graffiti, according to dictionary.com is“1) a drawing or inscription made on a wall or other surface, usually so as to be seen by the public. 2) A rude decoration inscribed on rocks or walls.” After looking at the definition of Graffiti, it has become very clear that it is a form of art, which may be considered “rude.” So, has the backlash from New York City train systems helped or hurt the growth of Graffiti? Some people feel that Graffiti is a way to become ‘famous’ in their own community, and a way that people can express themselves artistically. It is also considered an art form that is a non-violent outlet for teenagers and adults that live in high crime areas. Although many lovers of the Hip-Hop culture feel this way, the train systems of New York feel that Graffiti is not an art, and that it is vandalism to public property. New York has spent millions of dollars painting over streetcars, walls, and subways to try and become Graffiti free. They have also tried to arrest the Graffiti writers, because the creators of Graffiti were members of street gangs who were trying to mark their territory. Therefore, although Graffiti has become popular due to its artist's love, the negative reaction from the government and train systems to try to put an end to it, has definitely hurt Graffiti's growth.

About this blog

This blog is a part of a course at http://www.gmu.edu on Hip-Hop culture.

This site is strictly for academic purposes... please direct any questions to my instructor Andrew J Ryan [ website contains http://www.ffwdweekly.com/Issues/2005/0929/city.htm]