Graffiti was started in Philadelphia. Two men by the name of Cool Earl and Corn Bread started graffiti. It was later seen on the trains of New York because it operated 24/7. Graffiti was seen amongst Blacks but then it became multicultural.
Graffiti took off after Taki's name appeared in the New York Times. The use of graffiti was for identity, to mark one's territory, language, made one feel empowered, it was an alternative life, and served as a message. In the mid 70's competition became intense with different styles such as, block letters, bubble letters, and broad letters.
Since Mayo Lindsay failed to obtain funds to repair the trains and New York’s planner, Robert Moses failed to improve the train system; graffiti artists saw this as an opportunity to improve the trains through their artwork. As graffiti laws were implemented murals were given to artists for more space and less graffiti.
It should be noted that its disrespect to go over another graffiti artists' work.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Chang's (CSWS): Chapter 8: Zulus on a Time Bomb Hip-Hop Meets the Rockers Downtown
Henry Chalfant was one who documented graffiti art on the trains. I view him as a liasion between the graffiti artists and the powers that be, to introduce graffiti to the public. The documentary, "Wild Style" gave insight to the life of the graffiti artists and the issues amongst crews.
Eventually, some graffiti artists went from graffit to b-boying crews. B-boying was seen as a way to alleviate agression through dance. The b-boy crews were set apart by color, brand name clothing line, brand name shoes, their haircuts consisted of designs, and graffiti was also seen on their clothing. B-boying also included attitude and confidence.
Eventually, some graffiti artists went from graffit to b-boying crews. B-boying was seen as a way to alleviate agression through dance. The b-boy crews were set apart by color, brand name clothing line, brand name shoes, their haircuts consisted of designs, and graffiti was also seen on their clothing. B-boying also included attitude and confidence.
Chang's (CSWS): Chapter III: Blood adn Fire, with Occasional Music
This chapter talks about the formation of different gangs-foster children, runaway children, and others sought comfort, shelter, and protection in the gangs. Gangs were formed to better their community, fight racism, request for justice, education, and better education, and to solve their common problems. Gangs were set apart by the color they wore, style, and code.
It appears for the most part that gangs have a bad reputation. They are seen as individuals who kill, rob, and lack respect. While it may be true to a certain extent but by reading this chapter gangs that were formed in the 60's in the Bronx were for other reasons. As I previously stated that they wanted freedom and equality.
In 96' I moved to Columbia Heights, it wasn't a bad neighborhood but it was great. I noticed the guys that would hang on the corner-I was quick to stereo-type them as members of a gang. As time went by we acknowledge each other. Most of them lived on my block or the next block. One day I was walking to my house, my neighbors(the group of guys)were hanging out on the corner. This one guy who I had never seen began to bother me. When my neighbors noticed they said to that guy,"yo, leave her alone." I see this as my neighbors protecting their community. This experience makes we think that a gang can can be a group of people that come together, to share common interests, and are not necessarily bad.
It appears for the most part that gangs have a bad reputation. They are seen as individuals who kill, rob, and lack respect. While it may be true to a certain extent but by reading this chapter gangs that were formed in the 60's in the Bronx were for other reasons. As I previously stated that they wanted freedom and equality.
In 96' I moved to Columbia Heights, it wasn't a bad neighborhood but it was great. I noticed the guys that would hang on the corner-I was quick to stereo-type them as members of a gang. As time went by we acknowledge each other. Most of them lived on my block or the next block. One day I was walking to my house, my neighbors(the group of guys)were hanging out on the corner. This one guy who I had never seen began to bother me. When my neighbors noticed they said to that guy,"yo, leave her alone." I see this as my neighbors protecting their community. This experience makes we think that a gang can can be a group of people that come together, to share common interests, and are not necessarily bad.
Chang's (CSWS): Chapter I "The Bronx and the Politics of Abondonment"
In the beginning of chapter I America is going through segregation. Civil rights activist, Jackie Robinson was the first African-American in baseball's major league. Nine years later Reggie Jackson was the first Black player signed with the Yankees. When Reggie Jackson retired he also became a civil rights activist. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were also civil right activist's who fought for equality.
The beginning of this chapter reminds me of an exhibition I went to called "Indivisible" at the National Museum of the American Indian. It gives insight on the struggle of African and Native individuals because they did not fit into society’s racial categories. They were looking for acceptance, honor, and respect because they are Native American people and they are African American people and their combined community has built this country and their community. These individuals and in general want others to hear their voices, listen to their concerns, and understand their perspectives. It is good to welcome who we are, be who you are, and be proud of who you are. In order to demise racial discrimination everyone should help and accept all the people for who they are. Race is always playing some kind of role as to who we are and how people perceive other people, but we must look beyond that.
The chapter then mentions the building of the Cross Bronx Expressway, tenants being displaced due to slum landlords, and loss of employment. These are issue which are currently seen in America. I work for a non-profit agency, Housing Counseling Sevices, Inc. I remember when we had a large number of clients who had defaulted on their mortgage payments due to loan scams, loss if household income, language barrier between the client and the mortgage company. Now, the majority of our clients are individuals who are in need of rental and utility assitance. Its seems that the budget is very tight because most agencies in D.C. have used their money or they have to wait unitl the next fiscal year. Then there's gentrification, to 'better the community'. Its very depressing to me because people do not have anywhere to live and shelters have reached their capacity. I will never forget, one day a client said to me " its hard times out here and sometimes it makes you want to rob somebody." I thought about and I understood because if I had a family to feed I would do whatever it takes to provide for my family. Some individuals commit robbery but not because they want to but because of anxiety, frustration, and the pain of seeing their family suffer.
I wonder if America will be ready for another Great Depression???????
The beginning of this chapter reminds me of an exhibition I went to called "Indivisible" at the National Museum of the American Indian. It gives insight on the struggle of African and Native individuals because they did not fit into society’s racial categories. They were looking for acceptance, honor, and respect because they are Native American people and they are African American people and their combined community has built this country and their community. These individuals and in general want others to hear their voices, listen to their concerns, and understand their perspectives. It is good to welcome who we are, be who you are, and be proud of who you are. In order to demise racial discrimination everyone should help and accept all the people for who they are. Race is always playing some kind of role as to who we are and how people perceive other people, but we must look beyond that.
The chapter then mentions the building of the Cross Bronx Expressway, tenants being displaced due to slum landlords, and loss of employment. These are issue which are currently seen in America. I work for a non-profit agency, Housing Counseling Sevices, Inc. I remember when we had a large number of clients who had defaulted on their mortgage payments due to loan scams, loss if household income, language barrier between the client and the mortgage company. Now, the majority of our clients are individuals who are in need of rental and utility assitance. Its seems that the budget is very tight because most agencies in D.C. have used their money or they have to wait unitl the next fiscal year. Then there's gentrification, to 'better the community'. Its very depressing to me because people do not have anywhere to live and shelters have reached their capacity. I will never forget, one day a client said to me " its hard times out here and sometimes it makes you want to rob somebody." I thought about and I understood because if I had a family to feed I would do whatever it takes to provide for my family. Some individuals commit robbery but not because they want to but because of anxiety, frustration, and the pain of seeing their family suffer.
I wonder if America will be ready for another Great Depression???????
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Breaking It All Down Article (Vibe Breakdancing Article)
The article written by Cristina Verán gives an overview on b-boying. It is interesting to know that each crew had their own style. They wore pumas, adidas, windbreakers, Le Tigre shirts, kangol hats, and Gazelle sunglasses. In the beginning b-boying was only seen amongst Blacks but then it was seen in other races. Eventually, the crew was no longer, one race but it was a mixed race. I found interesting how b-boy crews eventually had b-girls. Attitude, style, and confidence was vital for each crew member.
B-boy was documented in the 1982, Style Wars. It was also introduced to the public through t.v. shows such as Davis Letterman and 20/20 news. It reminds me of movies such as, Honey, Step up, and Save The Last Dance. I did not see the movies but just by looking at the trailer it portrays b-boying.
It would be nice to have local places where one could go and enjoy b-boying or a museum that would provide the history of b-boying. Overall, b-boying is an art.
B-boy was documented in the 1982, Style Wars. It was also introduced to the public through t.v. shows such as Davis Letterman and 20/20 news. It reminds me of movies such as, Honey, Step up, and Save The Last Dance. I did not see the movies but just by looking at the trailer it portrays b-boying.
It would be nice to have local places where one could go and enjoy b-boying or a museum that would provide the history of b-boying. Overall, b-boying is an art.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
In Response to Tupac Shakur's "Keeping it Real" vs. "Keeping it Right" Essay
I was born and raised in Washington, DC, in Adams Morgan. In the late 90' moved to Columbia Heights in DC. Then, downtown Silver Spring, MD. I was raised by both of my parent. My Mom was and is strict; she is Christian and faithfully goes to church, reads her Bible, and prays. My mom is antiquated. Whereas, my dad is a bit more liberal-strict yet modern. My mom believed in spankings. My dad believed in long lectures. My entire life I went to private schools. I graduated from a private Christian high school. I was sheltered growing up but I was able to go out with friends with a curfew.
I have been blessed because I have not experienced any hardships. My parents have been able to provide me with food, clothing, and shelter. They have been there for me when I need advice. They are there for me emotionally. I have been able to develop an excellent relationship with my parents. So far, my parents are still there for me.
In reading the essay on Tupac it seems that he lacked the nature and nurture aspect of life. His father was incarcerated and his mother was a recovering drug addict. As Tupac stated he moved to different cities which made it difficult to have true friends and be able to trust them or buddies to grow up with. It seemed that he did not have the chance to have a mentor or caregiver.
I think that both nature and nurture impacted Tupac's life. I believe one is shaped by both nature and nurture.
According to the essay the media shaped Tupac's legacy as a womanizer, thug, gangsta, wearing big gold chains, and a person who is futile.
I have been blessed because I have not experienced any hardships. My parents have been able to provide me with food, clothing, and shelter. They have been there for me when I need advice. They are there for me emotionally. I have been able to develop an excellent relationship with my parents. So far, my parents are still there for me.
In reading the essay on Tupac it seems that he lacked the nature and nurture aspect of life. His father was incarcerated and his mother was a recovering drug addict. As Tupac stated he moved to different cities which made it difficult to have true friends and be able to trust them or buddies to grow up with. It seemed that he did not have the chance to have a mentor or caregiver.
I think that both nature and nurture impacted Tupac's life. I believe one is shaped by both nature and nurture.
According to the essay the media shaped Tupac's legacy as a womanizer, thug, gangsta, wearing big gold chains, and a person who is futile.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Chang's Chapter VI-Furious Styles: The Evolution of Style in the Seven-Mile World
When I was in Private school I would take the red line metro from Takoma Park to Dupont Circle. The metro tracks were above ground from were I boarded the metro, right before the Union Station tunnel. As I looked out the window; I recall seeing graffiti on buildings. A name that I saw alot, if I remember correctly was DJ Cool or just Cool. I found the graffiti interesting but I saw it as vandalism.
I lived in Adams Morgan for 15 years but know I currently work in Adams Morgan. In the 90's Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream store was introduced to Adams Morgan. Eventually, they painted a mural of three cows eating ice cream, as they ride their bicycle. Ben & Jerry's is no longer there, the mural still stands, even though its a bit faded. There's the Marilyn Monroe mural on Connecticut Ave., & Calvert St., NW. On 18th St., NW a few doors down from the Dinner, as you enter an alley into a public parking garage underneath a building, on your left hand side there's a mural. The purpose in mentioning this is that I interpreted graffiti as vandalism and the murals as artwork.
Chapter 6 in Chang's Can't Stop Won't Stop Book explains how graffiti was seen on New York's train line because it operated 24/7. It was later seen outside of the train as it went through Queen, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and other areas. I learned that individuals used graffiti to mark their territory, to feel empowered, it was an alternative life for the graffiti artists. Graffiti is also used as language. Language is a mode of communication through the use of symbols or sounds. Communication can be written, verbal, non-verbal, or signed (ASL or BSL). Communication can occur between two or more individuals.
Now, when I come across graffiti I will not see it as vandalism; I will see it as the graffiti artist expressing his/her idea, thought, emotion, or sending a message.
I lived in Adams Morgan for 15 years but know I currently work in Adams Morgan. In the 90's Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream store was introduced to Adams Morgan. Eventually, they painted a mural of three cows eating ice cream, as they ride their bicycle. Ben & Jerry's is no longer there, the mural still stands, even though its a bit faded. There's the Marilyn Monroe mural on Connecticut Ave., & Calvert St., NW. On 18th St., NW a few doors down from the Dinner, as you enter an alley into a public parking garage underneath a building, on your left hand side there's a mural. The purpose in mentioning this is that I interpreted graffiti as vandalism and the murals as artwork.
Chapter 6 in Chang's Can't Stop Won't Stop Book explains how graffiti was seen on New York's train line because it operated 24/7. It was later seen outside of the train as it went through Queen, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and other areas. I learned that individuals used graffiti to mark their territory, to feel empowered, it was an alternative life for the graffiti artists. Graffiti is also used as language. Language is a mode of communication through the use of symbols or sounds. Communication can be written, verbal, non-verbal, or signed (ASL or BSL). Communication can occur between two or more individuals.
Now, when I come across graffiti I will not see it as vandalism; I will see it as the graffiti artist expressing his/her idea, thought, emotion, or sending a message.
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