Broken Windows + Graffiti!

The "Broken Window Theory" states that disorder and crime are linked. If a window is left broken, soon the all the other windows will be broken. A window left unrepaired creates the impression that no one cares, so it is okay to break another. One act of vandalism can lead to more crime. Vandalism leads to an environment where the people in the vandalized neighborhood feel unsafe. They may think that more serious crimes are occurring when they are not. Vandalism is connected with urban decay, if unruly people (rowdy teenagers and drunks) and vandalism in the neighborhood are left unchecked. The general idea is that if bad behavior goes unchecked, it will lead to more serious crimes. In cities like Edmonton, all graffiti is considered an act of vandalism. The general public may not see the reality of graffiti, and many misconceptions occur. Graffiti can be vandalism and it can be frightening for those who are faced with it, but not all graffiti should be considered vandalism. Graffiti can be more than simple vandalism, as we have seen with graffiti artists like Banksy. Could the City of Edmonton better educate themselves and the public about the realities of graffiti?

This is Vandalism

When talking about graffiti, there are examples where it is obviously vandalism! Acts like this makes it more difficult for many people to understand how graffiti can be an important and beautiful form of public art!

City of Edmonton + Graffiti...

The City of Edmonton chooses to “Wipe Out” graffiti. According to the city’s official website, 2008 was the first year of the Graffiti Management Program which is connected with the Litter Management Program under the Capital City Clean Up. A “Wipe Out Graffiti” brochure is available on the City of Edmonton’s official site. “Let’s Wipe Out Graffiti!” the brochure exclaims. Eradication is the solution! Graffiti is treated like a disease; if it is not removed immediately it will spread and create and environment that will breed crime. Is graffiti a harmful bacterium found on the walls of Edmonton buildings? Ideally, the City of Edmonton wishes to have a clean, graffiti free city to show possible investors and tourists. I ask, is this even possible? The brochure even admits..."Graffiti may need to be removed three to seven times in the exact same spot before the graffiti offender will give up". I have seen proof of this in the streets. Graffiti, cover up, graffiti, more cover up, and the cycle continues...This seems like a painful and expensive way to fight graffiti. Edmonton puts all graffiti under the category of vandalism. Obviously some graffiti is simply vandalism, but there can be exceptions. As a citizen of Edmonton for the last 3 years, I feel the public art in Edmonton is seriously lacking. Wouldn’t it be great to brighten up blank walls with colourful locally designed works? Wouldn’t it be interesting to designate a public space for graffiti artists to go and create dialogue with one another? Would it not only enhance pride in our city if local people we able to take part in creating bright and vibrant spaces for all enjoy? Wouldn’t it make the dull brown seasons more interesting? Edmonton is ugly for more than half of the year! I think when tourists enter the city in the spring, winter or fall they are faced with blandness. Is this why Edmonton has the reputation of being “dEdmonton”? Visually, it is dull, brown and dead!