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Local Graffiti
by Lidia Trembley
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Editor's Note: This is sure to be a 'hot topic'. If
you'd like to join a discussion, we've established a discussion
board in our Community Forum.
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Graffiti. It's one of those paradoxical subjects that gets people
riled up and infuriated while at the same time evoking little more
than apathy. It's the subject of debate: Is is art or not?
So, let's set the subject straight: Graffiti is messy, defacing
vandalism. It's disrespectful of property, it's intrusive, it insinuates
territorial rights in YOUR neighbourhood. One small mark (called
a 'tag') soon attracts another, and then another. Before you know
it, the entire wall, then the entire neighbourhood, every alley,
door, bus shelter, telephone booth, underpass, bridge and playground
sign will be littered with these mar's.
This becomes a breeding ground for not only 'tags', but obscene
drawings, hate and racist messages, and gang communications.
The Graffiti Abatement Project (GAP) was born out of concerned
citizens gathering together in 1997 to address this problem. A Task
Force was formed, made up of community members, City Hall personnel,
Hamilton Police Service and the John Howard Society. In June 2000,
the Graffiti Hot Line was established at the Limeridge Community
Policing Centre and in the summer of 2001, a coordinator was hired
to help increase public awareness of this very real urban problem.
Get Rid of It, Quick
In studying graffiti eradication programs in other cities, it was
proven that the best way to combat graffiti is to get rid of it
as quickly as it appears. Graffiti vandals thrive on seeing their
'tags' all over the place. By eradicating it quickly, graffiti doesn't
gain a foothold. Make a concerted effort in the community and the
vandals will soon get the message.
Now, is graffiti art or not? Granted some graffiti is large, colourful,
and actually quite artistic. The question to be asked is, "Has
the wall been painted with the permission of the owner?" If
the answer is "No", then it is indeed vandalism. No credibility
could ever be given to such disrespectful, criminal activity.
For questions, comments, brochure requests or to report graffiti,
please contact
The Graffiti Hotline 905-546-GRAF (546-4723)
LockeStreet.com welcomes your comments
and suggestions. Read more about this
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