Don’t subject street art and graffiti to the same negative stereotyping. Graffiti and street art should not be classed in the same category. Graffiti is an act of vandalism defacing areas of interest, turning it into an eyesore, therefore discouraging visitors and tourists. Graffiti is often associated with gangs; it is seen as a way to display gang symbols, provoke gang rivalry and use obscene language.

Some people are unable to differentiate between street art and graffiti. But this is wrong: street art helps artists to display their inspiring work to the wider public. People are not well-informed of the history behind street art. Back in the early 1970’s young people in New York, originating from Black and Puerto Rican communities, began to paint New York with unique writing. They used street art to highlight political disputes of the time; the divide between graffiti and street art began. The American public saw political messages as art and as an opening for young people to express themselves. We should not adopt a zero policy on graffiti and street art: we must make a concerted effort to organize street art, improving an area. Artists need encouragement as some have potential; these are the artists who need to be found and nurtured.

Street art shows how it can demonstrate the talents of our young people; also theirs is a message encouraging a more cohesive community. As one young artist stated, “Street art allows me to express my feelings as it is the only thing I am good at. If this is taken away I will not be able to show the public the talents I have”.