Good Graffiti

So Rockwood has a problem with graffiti, as most neighborhoods do anymore. I always feel badly for certain homeowners that get more than their fair share of it, and do their best to keep up with it. One of these homes is at 182nd and Yamhill where, unfortunately, their fence is a big canvas for all of those who want to leave their mark.

When I was stopped at the light there, I looked over to see that the owners apparently just painted over the gang graffiti again. But they are leaving one graffiti artist's words alone. The graffiti reads

"Tasha, I LOVE YOU -JSN"

I remember when those darn kids would write such things in bathroom stalls and on walls and we found it so bothersome and disrespectful. I looked at that fence and that graffiti actually brought a smile to my face. How times have changed!

So I almost want to start a graffiti war of sorts. Anywhere I see gang graffiti, I want to have a Valentine's day celebration and have everyone who loves someone go paint it on the fences. Paint right over the hateful garbage and preach Peace and Love - not WAR.

In today's world, would we accept graffiti if it was happy? The homeowner on 182nd and Yamhill has apparently chosen to. So, it's not right to deface another's property, but is there time for a new attitude and a LOVE gang?

JSN - I hope Tasha loves you too. And I hope that small message - though perhaps you should be fined for doing it - makes us think about some love amidst the hate of the gang markers.