The intensity of this discussion only signals to me the need for the further understanding of Graffiti as a phenomenon and culture, sub culture, blight or whatever other term you want to throw on it.. the point being before you throw that term out, time needs to be spent gathering information (from many perspectives) and analyzing it to interpret its meaning… this is what the curricular project is focusing on, not “teaching” graffiti in the classroom as was hinted at by the framing of this post… which probably helped to set up the wrath of comments… but maybe this is where we start.
Teacher Antero Garcia’s post about using graffiti in the classroom and in school-sponsored activities has drawn some wide-ranging comments. As he said, the response at a conference went from loathing to enthusiasm. Of course, many students are experts in graffiti — as consumers or creators.
But one reader wondered whether the students were well-versed in politics or current events, and another asked whether they were sufficiently educated in the basics.
What do you think? Does graffiti have a role in schools? What is that role?
Share your thoughts.
– Mary MacVean
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(Via The Homeroom.)
Now the word is capitalized!!! After reading some of the comments in the blogs and comparing it to my discussions with teacher Mark Gomez, I believe that until there is semantic clarification as to what the word grafitti means, most people will sound like old, fuddy duddy rednecks who can’t see there is a new generation with new ways of expressing themselves.
If grafitti means painting on other people’s walls without their permission, it is a BAD THING. Using this meaning, which, I believe, is the more common understanding of the word, of course it should not be glorified in the school setting. It should be condemned, and teachers would be quite irresponsible to act otherwise. And it does not merit a capital G.
If grafitti means a style of art in which spray paint is the main tool, then there is a place for it in the curriculum.
Until you activists are able to effectively communicate your terms, you can expect to experience lots of people to respond to Mr. Antero in negative ways.
You might believe the word refers to a style of art, but until last Thursday, I thought it meant breaking the law and messing with somebody else’s property.