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What is Graffiti?
The Word
Graffiti consists of inscriptions, slogans and drawings scratched, scribbled or painted on a wall or other public or private surface. The word "graffiti" is derived from the Latin word "graphium," which means, "to write." The term "graffiti" was originally used by archaeologists to describe drawings and writings found on ancient buildings and monuments in Pompeii, Egypt, and in the Roman catacombs.
Where it Comes From
Graffiti has its roots in American subway graffiti traditions in the early 70s and has gained favour from the popularity of hip-hop urban culture.
What it is
Graffiti means any unauthorized inscription, word, figure, picture, or design that is sprayed, marked, cut, posted, pasted or otherwise affixed, drawn or painted on any surface of public or private property. Graffiti, done without the owner's permission is not "art", it's a CRIME!
The more common types of graffiti are:
Tagging
Tagging is the most common form of graffiti  found in Red Deer. Individuals involved in this form of graffiti refer to themselves as "taggers" or graffiti writers. Taggers write their nickname or moniker in order to gain "fame" and status from other taggers by painting their distinctive "tags" in as many places as possible. Taggers are usually part of a group called a "crew." Tags, which consist only of the tagger and/or crew names, can be recognized by their particular style and are typically one short word, like "CKER" (seeker) or "PERVS." They may also paint "pieces" which are highly stylized murals. This form of graffiti is usually illegible to the untrained eye and intended to be seen by other taggers. Taggers thrive on placing their tag names on as many and as dangerous places as possible. The objective of tagging is peer recognition: the tagger gains more notoriety the longer the tag is "up". Quick removal of graffiti is important because it discourages more tagging.
In some parts of the country, taggers have started to mimic gangs by becoming increasingly violent. Besides stealing most of the materials they use to tag (it is illegal to sell spray paint to minors in most places), many vandals have started to carry weapons to protect themselves from gangs or rival tagging crews. This alarming new phenomenon is called "tag-banging," and while it is widespread in some cities, it is not present in Red Deer.
Gang Graffiti
Gang graffiti is less common (about 20%) and is usually limited to a specific home turf claimed by the gang. It is primarily used as a method of communication to promote a gang, mark territory, recruit new members, or intimidate a neighbourhood. Gang graffiti often includes symbols and code that is understood only by gang members or associates. It is also used to boast of crimes committed, weapons carried by the members, or the sale of drugs.
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