Announcements
Graffiti
Most gangs claim a specific geographic area, and will identify this area with scrawled graffiti. Graffiti serves several purposes - it lays claim to an area, may serve as a warning or threat to other gangs, and is used as a means of communication, e.g. a "street newspaper". Graffiti is a fascinating and ever-changing phenomenon. When graffiti is examined closely, one may often discover the nicknames of the gang's members, whom they dislike, and sometimes the name of the founder. Graffiti is also used to cross-out graffiti written by other gangs, in their own and other gang's territories, which is considered both an insult and a challenge. In fact, the crossing-out of rival gang graffiti often leads to retaliation.
"Tagger" graffiti differs from traditional gang graffiti. Taggers are youthful artists who "decorate" walls, fences and vehicles with their designs as a means to receive personal recognition. Many times, their art (for this is how they view it) is elaborate and stylized, and they are known for their colorful murals. However, when taggers put their "tags" (graffiti) in traditional gang territory, it can result in acts of retaliatory violence. Because of this, some taggers now carry guns to defend their creations.
If you see Graffiti, please call your local law enforcement agency to report it.
