Graffiti, Vandalism, Gangs or Art

Recently we discussed graffiti, more specifically the up tick in violence between taggers, and gang-bangers versus citizens that are reporting their actions.

I had the honor of entertaining some comments on the “Artists” side of the issue:
Here are a couple of examples:

Chris (no Blog URL) says;
I completely agree with the fact that gangs cause problems and should be rid of BUT, graffiti is an art, and it seems like the criminals (violent ones) committing more than simple vandalism, are fully involved in gangs and are not “tagging” for the sake of art or beauty, but tagging to protect the turf. Graffiti artists or vandals, and gang members marking their area are two completely different things. It is like comparing marijuana to heroin, yea they are both illegal but marijuana is pretty much harmless (graffiti) and heroin is dangerous, addictive, and ruins our society (gang graffiti/activity).

All I am saying is don’t forget to distinguish artists from pure gang members and criminals out there spraying their shitty bullshit all over the place.

Hammer Time (no Blog URL) says
this is pathetic, did anyone notice the fact that they almost all had something to do with gangs?

gangs and people who write graffiti, are two totally different things…

and why is everyone so scared of colorful walls?

Facedorateur (no Blog URL) says:

Not to be a bitch, but 3 deaths due to graffiti GANGS seems ok compared to the 4000 american soldiers that died in Irak and Afghanistan, or the millions of children that dies everyday in africa. A graffiti writer alone is less likely to attack someone, he will maybe have a weapon, but in any case he will not even try to use it and run away. Dont be affraid of the lonewolfes. But the gangs, they are dangerous because they are in numbers, 5 guys are better at kicking someones butt than only 1. + graffiti is a peaceful crime and it adds a little color and artistic taste in our grey cities. And if you compare it to drug gangs, you will realize its not that bad.

David (no Blog URL)says:

If I lived in LA and I knew which neighbourhood you were in I would go crush it tonight.
If you put your foot on top of my throat and I was completely defenceless, and I had no idea that you we’re going to attack me, you basically just attacked me.
And if you did put your foot on my throat, I would think that you were going to kill me and choke me to death and I would probably shoot your fucking brain out.
You’re saying that the parents are responsible for kids tagging? dude are you dumb or something? its not like the parents are putting spraycans in the childrens hand and saying ‘go paint graffiti’ or not even like they have there eyes closed.. Also most of the people that are probably shown in the article that took voilent action were probably over 21 so they’re parents have no control over them anyways.
I hate you with a fucking passion and if I’m ever in LA remind me to fucking do a big ass graffiti tag on your garage while you’re dressed like a clown with hunting gear on in the bushes.

The one from David was by far the funniest, IF he ever even thought about coming to my hood he would break out in a sweat.. IF I had my foot on his throat, I would be ready to kill him if necessary, any movement that threatened my well being at that point would be met with a mind bending flurry of lead and David moving toward the light.

I see nothing artistic about that, I don’t think any of the property owners appreciate it, I really don’t appreciate that shit on electrical/cable or phone boxes.

I think all these idiots that write on PUBLIC or PERSONAL property that they do not own, should have to pay for it, if they have no way to pay, make the parents pay and make the kids spend weekends cleaning graffiti.
The approach our PD is taking is PARENTS will be paying up to 10k for graffiti clean up if their kids are caught.
If a juvenile is apprehended in the act or has been named as a suspect a warrant can be issued and served to search the home of the kid, if materials/evidence of vandalism/tagging are in the home the parents are cited and will be fined up to 15k for damages. IF the parents are ILLEGALLY in this Country, it can lead to deportation proceedings.

One of the first things someone should ask themselves is: IF this is art, and an expression of my feelings, why am I doing it in the shadows? Why am I scared of getting caught? Why is this big ass redneck standing on my neck?

Art my ass, this is a crime and should be treated as such, it should be investigated when found on public property and prosecuted in a very harsh manner. I think the laws are too soft, but they are getting harder.

And for those that say “There is nothing for the kids to do”….

This is a brand new 2 million dollar building in a public park:

Its a “FOR THE KIDS” Building, look closely next to drain pipe to see the evidence of gratitude. The building is in the heart of a known gang infested area. It was made possible by donations and funding from taxpayers.

The building has a Indoor Basketball court, boxing ring, gym, all kinds of inside games, and activities. The guy that runs this park is a friend of mine, I have known him for over 20 years, he is a strong leader in the community and if you ask him, he’ll tell you it’s as much the parents fault for allowing our community to fall into this state as everyone those parents like to blame.

What we need is not more buildings for the kids to go to, we need PARENTS to actually PARENT! and the excuse box is full. NO MORE EXCUSES! Get your kids in check.