What is “graffiti”? The term “graffiti” is the plural form of the lesser known term “graffito”. Merriam-webster.com defines a graffito as “an inscription or drawing made on some public surface.” Graffiti is scarce around Madison but can be found if you are willing to look.

On Sunday I took a walk along Hughs road toward Madison Parkway. When I neared the skate park, I departed from the sidewalk and followed the fence down to the train tracks. I walked along the tracks until I entered the tunnel. Vehicles zoomed overhead, the sound reverberating off the tunnel walls. On either side anonymous messages were left behind for anyone and no one.

Technically, graffiti is a crime. It is considered to be distracting and undesirable in “nice” communities. However, graffiti is more than paint sprayed haphazardly on a wall. Areas filled with graffiti are like museums. Each image and word tells a story about the time, place, and people who live there. As I stood beneath the bridge, I was filled with questions. Who sprayed these things? When? Why? What did people want to leave behind about themselves? If no one paints over the graffiti, their message will be there for a long time. Did that cross their minds?

Some consider graffiti to be an art form. Some revile it as vandalism. Despite differing opinions, “graffitists” have been leaving their mark for ages and will continue to do so well into the future.

What do you think of graffiti?

• It is a form of art. (75%, 3 Votes)
• It depends on what people display. (25%, 1 Votes)
• It is vandalism, nothing more. (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 4

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