“Style Wars” a 1983 film/documentary gives a view into the world of NYC graffiti and the hip-hop subculture that surrounds it. “Bombing” as they call it, is a when a graffiti artists tags something with his name. Usually they bomb trains, subways, or city walls. This enrages city official and citizens who claim it trashes the city and gives “a bad impression of New York.” Those who support graffiti say it is just art. They’re not hurting anyone. Though the film shows both sides of the argument, it seems to give harsh depictions of the authorities. The mayor particularly, is highlighted as a conceited, heartless bigot.

After watching the movie, my opinion of graffiti hasn’t necessarily changed. I have a really hard time respecting the art of graffiti artists due to the method of their art. It’s not so much the fact that what they are doing is illegal, but simply because they are altering someone else’s property without permission. Its like stealing-taking something that is not yours- they are changing something that isn’t their to change. I will admit that I am in awe of some of the huge masterpieces that adorn city buildings and subways, but I just can’t condone the process.

Though the movie didn’t effect my overall stance on graffiti, I was surprised to learn a few things about the culture. For one, I didn’t realize how much bombing meant to taggers. These guys are looking for a way to spread their name as far and big as they can. They want other taggers to admire their work and say, “That guy is the king of bombing.” When it comes down to it, graffiti art is a real pride thing. They are also extremely dedicated artists. I was surprised to learn how serious some of the artists are, planning large murals far in advanced. It’s not just some act of vandalism for them, but a real lifestyle. One man describes the deserted subway tunnels as his “dungeon under the city.” For him graffiti is an emotional release and a double life creative outlet. Graffiti art is foreign and interesting to me. It represents a culture that I don’t necessarily understand. When I look at a piece I wonder about the artist. What the artwork means to them, and I imagine how they had to sneek around to do it. From the movie, I have learned how special this art is for a select group of people, but I myself would never want to participate it that kind of art. These guys aren’t making a political stance or statement. They’re just disrupting the city through art.