Why Graffiti Should be Legal in Hollister
By: Aiyanna BaileyGraffiti is one of the most popularly practiced forms of art around the world. Billions of pop-up sketches, words, and murals can be seen in every city around the world.
In big cities such as Seattle and New York, graffiti artists are seen as normal street-goers or even paid for their work. However, in Hollister, graffiti artists don’t have that leisure.
Image Credit: Aiyanna Bailey
Many pop ups in the city have been done in secret with no signature mark, thus, the identity of artists in this small city have been kept under lock and key. But, over time, citizens can observe specific re- occurring marks among the art pieces.
Police officers do not support the art form in California, many believing that graffiti will eventually lead to more crime and violence. However, many younger law officers have a different story. Throughout the United States, newer officers have started to see graffiti as an artform, some beginning to become more flexible with the offenses. One police officer in New York city was actually caught doing graffiti and, later, proven to be one of the most prolific graffiti offenders in the city. Moreover, police officers have started to not report many graffiti offenses in the city, even going so far as ignoring them.
When driving around the town of Hollister, the art that is featured above is one of the most recognizably common pieces. With loose ties to drug relation, many police officers find themselves having to take these works of art down. But, the question still poses—should graffiti be able to exist out on the streets, and should the teenagers that create these pieces be seen as artists or public offenders?
Image Credit: Aiyanna Bailey
For many older Hollister citizens, their answer is yes. However, for many more modern Hollister natives, they have a different opinion. Many people believe that graffiti should be treated as an art form, and more believe that graffiti should even be taught to adolescents even at our high school! What is your opinion on graffiti? Should it continue to be illegal, or should it be encouraged?
Cover Image Credit: Aiyanna Bailey
