A Graffiti Rebellion!

     Watching todays film, it is clearly evident that all around the world graffiti is something that is generally looked down upon with in the political views. However, in the communities of the artists, it is something worth fighting for and looked at as life and freedom. For example, in Berlin if someone is caught "vandalizing" public property, they can spend up to three years in prison or even pay a hefty fine. This proves that many are unexcepting of the aspect of this type of art. Unfortunately, the negative views on graffiti tend to be more prevalent than positive ones although they do exist.
     In Cape Town, there is a high level of political warfare. On the film, minorities are treated as lower than others since there is a constant black/white race shuffle. Being involved with graffiti lets them have there own voice and identity inside of a world in which they do not. The artist do believe they make a positive difference in their society in which I agree. A prime example of that is when a few of the cities graffiti artists go to a nearby school a do a mural which is inspirational to the students. On the contrary, Sao Paulo is a city with no governing structure so everyone basically does what they want how they want.

  

    My overall thoughts on graffiti as an art all together is that it is something which is very misunderstood all over the world.In my world personally, grafitti is a way of defininate expression although many are against this form of art.When people see a piece of graffiti placed on a bare brick wall along side a street, they immediately stop and stare. That very moment when they take a glane at it, they have been captured. Whether the piece is positive, negative, beautiful or horrid it still has an impact on everyone. 

  Either people view it as something inspirational or as something disgusting/repusive. In my opinion, it can equally be both. It all depends on where, how, why and the purpose behind it. Whether it's political (a portrait of Obama with his famous words) social, racial, gang related ( a photo taken of a strategic territorial place gangs meet/gather), or just free expression, grafitti has an impact in all aspects. The world should view it in a manner of in a place of trash, graffiti is the treasure ;)