Hip Hop

Graffiti is a type of vandalism that results in property being damaged or ruined. It is often the work of gangs and they do it to mark their territory. It can be on billboards, the sides of railcars, fences, cars, walls, and various other locations. The graffiti is often done with various words and pictures that mean something significant to the gang. Law enforcement works hard to be able to decipher the various works in order to find out what the message is and who is responsible.

Graffiti is often stereotyped as belonging to part of the hip hop culture. However, it is a misconception that all individuals that listen to such music are involved in criminal activity. There are plenty of young men and women that just happen to love the sound of this type of music. They are otherwise outstanding citizens and they shouldn’t be classified as trouble due to their choice in music.

It can cost thousands of dollars to clean up from graffiti. Most of the time those responsible for it aren’t caught. In come areas those that have to complete community service work to help remove graffiti. Cleaning it up as soon as possible sends a message that it won’t be tolerated. However, in some instances this further serves as a motive for the graffiti to continue. It becomes a challenge to replace what has been cleaned up as quickly as possible.

Since most of it takes place after dark it is a good idea to know what it going on in the area. Many areas have enforcements such as curfews to keep people off the streets after a set period of time in the evening. While this has taken care of some of the various graffiti issues it hasn’t eliminated it. Some homeowners and business owners have installed video camera to help catch those that are responsible for the acts.

What is amazing though is often the quality of the artistic abilities that shine through in the graffiti. It is too bad these individuals feel the need to use those skills for criminal activity instead of for something positive. They could have a wonderful career as an artist or even in advertising.