Graffiti: For what purpose?

[Centipede Chan]

I was on a train recently, well, many trains. Each ride had something in common, with that being going past very rundown and slum-like cities. Safely away from the train of course. But what really got me thinking was all the massive amounts of graffiti. Most people (I assume) do things for a purpose. Making a huge visual mark somewhere can be more meaningful than we think, and not just "gang bangers" making a mess out of the walls.

Still, I wonder why in such small rusty looking towns that people would leave such marks. Many unreadable. Sometime's names are on them. The big point I am making here is it's almost like a whole society that's gone, and the graffiti is like messages to those who might be around or knew of that society. I think I am looking way too into this, but I don't know, long train rides and spray-painted walls make me think.

But yeah, what's your take on this or similar?

 

[strangerhypno]

On public property it's vandalism and people shouldn't be doing it.

 

[LDSman]

Why graffiti? Reasons vary.
1. To make a statement. I'm here, see me.
2. Art to some.
3. Rebellion. You can't stop me from messing up this wall.
4. Marking territory. Gang signs and the like.