Recently, when I noticed fresh graffiti and tagging in my neighborhood, I immediately took pictures and forwarded them on to code compliance at the City of Renton.
Renton’s strong ordinance, established in 2008, against this type of activity has been very successful because of their all-inclusive approach to this problem – early notification by the public, cash rewards, quick cover up of tagging and graffiti by volunteers, criminal trespass and vandalism charges for offenders, and sophisticated tracking records. In addition, they hired a part-time graffiti abatement coordinator who I will call JAMOT.
Ironically not too long ago – maybe several thousand of years or more when our ancestors first walked the earth – this method of communication and documentation was not only acceptable, but encouraged.
How grateful we should be that there were no graffiti ordinances banning our ancestors from writing on the walls of public rock structures or caves. Their tools of communication provided valuable insight into our human beginnings and, for them, became a tangible witness that “they were here.”
Fast forward many thousands of years and, even with tremendous advancements in communication, we still have graffiti and tagging – but for different reasons and with different results.
Today, defacing public property is considered vandalism. Graffiti is an umbrella that covers many forms of this type of illegal activity by taggers, gangs and artists.
There are those who act alone or are part of a “crew,” which often explains how a large colorful mural can be accomplished in a short period of time in difficult surroundings.
The script or art form of graffiti always relays a message. It could be harassment, intimidation, gaining fame, marking geographic territory, or presenting a point of view concerning their issues with society.
Most assuredly part of the lure is that it is prohibited by law, giving them some personal gratification of defiance.
Since 2008 when the graffiti abatement group was formed, JAMOT and their crew have reduced individual tags from 3,000 a year to 979 so far in 2011.
Besides JAMOT’s hard work, we can also thank the taggers and graffiti artists who can’t resist putting their personal moniker or “tag” on their work. At times they go even further and paint a self portrait or publish their work on the internet. Most of us would call that self-incrimination along with supplying the evidence to prove it.
Many of us visualize these taggers and graffiti artists as young teenagers. I was going to credit seniors, because it’s always done in large print. Turns out, I wasn’t too far off. According to JAMOT, the average age is 27, white male. We currently have a 29-year-old in Renton going to great lengths and heights to display his work, despite being overweight and having bad knees.
Thousands of years later, some are still trying to prove to the world that “they are here” by using the same ancient methods – graffiti and tagging.
Frankly, it will take more than crayons, markers, fancy script or colorful images on a wall to be noticed by this insensitive world.
The simple fact that we are here is proof enough that we exist. What matters more is, “how will we be remembered?” No one departs this world without leaving a lasting impression, good or bad. It has absolutely nothing to do with how well you can print, color or draw.
But don’t be discouraged, all you taggers and graffiti artists. Your primitive cry for attention is being noticed by the JAMOT crew who are pursuing you, your crew and your haunts. JAMOT is tag for “just a matter of time”.
Tish Gregory is a freelance writer. You can reach her at: tishgregory@aol.com
