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Since its early days as mere vandalism on the walls of subway trains to the more elaborate and professional-looking pieces that adorn the walls of cities in the 21st century, graffiti art has become an expressive, if controversial, part of culture. While some people view graffiti as a scourge to urban environments, modern graffiti has become more accepted - and sometimes even legalized by city authorities - thanks to a number of advantages that have emerged.

Brings Art to Public

The problem with art in the 21st century is the notion that it's sometimes just not seen, thanks to a lack of interest from people, especially the younger generation. These people don't go to museums and art exhibitions, and so aren't generally exposed to works of art. Well-worked graffiti helps to redress this problem by bringing art directly to the public, pushing it in their faces, and perhaps helping to foster an interest in artwork that will drive individuals to explore the art world further.

Valuable Form of Self-Expression

Graffiti gives individuals the freedom to express themselves in a way that they wouldn't have had otherwise. For some, this freedom comes from the accessibility of graffiti; all this medium needs is a spray can and an idea, and the artist can create what he wants, as opposed to having to purchase expensive supplies to get started. For other graffiti artists, the advantage of the medium is that they can express an opinion or idea, such as a political point, and get it seen, in a bid to be heard and perhaps create an impact.

Brightens Up Area

Well-worked graffiti art is typically creative, colorful and bold, and thus it changes the character of the particular area where it appears. In many cases, this change is positive, since the art turns drab and monotone buildings and bare walls into interesting and eye-catching exhibitions of the imagination. Neighborhoods are brightened up without local authorities needing to engage in refurbishment programs.

Raises Area's Profile

A lot of high-quality graffiti contained within a particular area can raise that neighborhood's profile significantly as an arts scene. In time, other artists flock there, and the cultural value of the area is increased. This can in the long-term aid the local economy, as tourists head to the area to look at the graffiti, and local-run tours pop up to show visitors around.

In Education

Art is often taught to youngsters as part of their education, but not everyone takes to it. For some, the problem lies in the medium; an individual might not enjoy traditional forms, such as painting and sculpture for instance, while others fail to find art relevant within their lives. When graffiti is taught as an alternative medium of artwork, it may inspire these individuals, being more rooted in 21st century life than traditional art forms.

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The Advantages of Graffiti Art | eHow.com

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Since its early days as mere vandalism on the walls of subway trains to the more elaborate and professional-looking pieces that adorn the walls of cities in the 21st century, graffiti art has become an expressive, if controversial, part of culture.

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The articles and quotes you have found all look good!  30/30

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The articles and quotes you have found all look good!  30/30

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Thesis Statement: Graffiti can be considered art, even though it's illegal, because it uses color and design to create a message.

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Support #3

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By ALEXIS LLOYD
English 9 Honors; Lancaster High School
Teacher: C. Hulgan

Art is defined as the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. When we see graffiti, most people's reaction isn't to praise the artist for creativity. Nobody ever seems to be inspired by street art or, as most call it, graffiti. We are all copies of one another in today's society. Why do we feel obligated to judge one's individuality?

Graffiti, whether on walls, train cars, or buildings, is art.

Graffiti has been used for years and years, from drawing on walls by the cavemen to the claiming of cities by the ancient Romans. It also has given cities a unique flare. Graffiti is a way for people to express themselves and show their imagination and creativity.

Many argue art must be appealing to the eye of the beholder. However, if you argue the preservation of our ancestors to be so beautiful, and we do the same as they did, why do we not call our present day graffiti beautiful?

One day, humankind will all be gone. If humans want their legacy to live on, shouldn't we preserve what we have done so that our great great great grandchildren can have something beautiful to remember our generation by?

Calling an illustration "ugly" is an opinion. As a society, we have the right to think that way, but it is not a fact. If somebody thought the Mona Lisa was ugly, does that make it any less art? Of course not, that is just one's opinion.

Others will refer to graffiti as a "violence attractor." Many say the guns inside some of the drawings will lead to more violence and more killings. Referring to guns does not kill people; the people who pull the trigger kill people.

During ancient times, the first forms of scripture and storytelling by the natives or cavemen were through drawings on walls. Stories passed through generations, and generations were preserved on rocks or walls. During Roman times, they would claim the land they conquered by drawing on the town's buildings. It was just their way of life and how they claimed their land. In the modern day world, members of gangs will do the same thing. It is just their way of life. If that is how they live, who are we to judge?

According to Cameron McAuliffe, author of "Graffiti or Street Art? Negotiating the Moral Geographies of the Creative City," Graffiti is a part of life and gives the city its own urban originality and flare. McAuliffe states, "Graffiti in its various forms has become a perennial feature of life at the edges of the contemporary city." In cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, and Sydney, it is a way of life. In Seattle, tourists come in and out of the city and their lives are forever changed. One glimpse of the Freemont troll or just walking in the streets is inspiring. One's creativity is art.

"Artistic graffiti is a modern day offspring of traditional graffiti that has elevated itself, from just scrawling word or phrases on a wall to a complex artistic form of personal expression." The unknown author of this quote is expressing how true art is one's creativity. In order for something to be considered art, you do not have to like it. Who are we to judge somebody on whether or not they are being creative? Who are we to decide if their imagination and creativity is art?

Modern day graffiti is found everywhere. Graffiti has been a form of creativity since cavemen times and is still inspiring people today. Whether in Sydney, Seattle, China or even Lancaster, somebody took time out of their day to share creative thoughts. It is not whether we like the artist's work, it is the imagination perceived through it. Graffiti, whether found on walls, train cars, or buildings, is art.

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This article is part of Youth Speak Out, a new section in The AV Times featuring editorials by participating Lancaster High School students. Read more about this initiative here.

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By ALEXIS LLOYD English 9 Honors; Lancaster High School Teacher: C. Hulgan Art is defined as the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. When we see graffiti, most people's reaction isn't to praise the artist for creativity. Nobody ever seems to be inspired by street art or, as most call it, graffiti.

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Opponent Support #1 (Support #3)

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Graffiti Is Always Vandalism - NYTimes.com

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No museum that has celebrated graffiti in recent years would allow its own premises to be defaced for even one minute.

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Support #2

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Support #1

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George C. Stowers wrote that based on aesthetic criteria, graffiti has to be considered an art form. He makes a distinction between simple tags and more complicated pieces, stating that tags have little aesthetic appeal and probably should not be considered art. However, larger pieces require planning and imagination and contain artistic elements like color and composition.