The only thing that I don't like about riding BART is having to look at the graffiti that often covers the train walls. In my opinion, graffiti just contributes to the visual pollution that surrounds those of us who live in or around urban areas. I have read articles in which graffiti artists try to defend their illegal activities in a variety of ways. I don't see people who create graffiti as artists. Real artists create their work on canvases.
Real artists are the ones who are recognized by art history.
Those who make graffiti are just vandals who have no regard for the law. They are criminals who need to be punished.for their actions. If you see graffiti and it begins to proliferate,it acts as a green light to others to put up more graffiti. People get the sense that the police aren't in control here, that somehow this is not a safe place. I don't even understand why any debate revolves around the issue of graffiti since it is already established as an illegal activity.