Why I don't like Graffiti

[norfolk23]

I've generally considered graffiti on rail cars to be an eyesore. Watching and filming trains is one of my bigger hobby's, so I see it all the time. Most of it is the run of the mill squiggly lines which look to be the handywork of a 3rd grader. Other's have been colorful and are actually very artistic. Then there's the car I saw today.

On the side of the boxcar was the artistic gang symbol for MS13. If you're not familiar with the gang for which this represents, do a google search. It's disturbing to say the least. It's more than disturbing really. I won't go into details.

One might say that something like that shouldn't make that much of a difference. For me, it did. I no longer looked at that train and saw what I usually do. Quite the opposite. My thoughts turned to the type of person who painted it. It made me pause and think about graffiti as a whole. Who does this and why do they do it? I'm sure there are those who do it to express themselves.

Then there are guys like the one that painted that car who would probably kill you if you tried to cover up his "art".

[Midnight Railroader]

Hey, evreyone! It's time for the bi-annual "model graffiti-yes or no" argument thread!

[wm3798]

 I agree.  The symbol of a violent gang on railroad equipment makes me think about the safety of the people who work around railroads.  This tagging usually goes on while a car is spotted at an industry or stored in a yard, where hard working people are making their living.  These goons have no respect for human beings, much less the private property of others, and they carelessly put themselves and others in peril when they practice their "art", or in this case, mark their territory like a mongrel hound spotting a fire hydrant.

Personally, whenever I hear about some stupid kid with a spray can in his hand getting cut in half by a flanged wheel, I take a pause of appreciation for Mr. Darwin's theory.  We don't need people like that in the gene pool.

Lee

[riogrande5761]

oh, there is a real contribution (above comment = troll)

I agree with the OP.   It's vandalism plain and simple.  I also understand people model it because they are imitating what the see.

[blownout cylinder]

One issue that comes up frequently in law enforcement is the issue that there isn't really a lot of interest in youth intervention before things get out of hand---taggers running around, spray painters doing their thing---no place to put energy because unemployed---chicken civic leaders to afraid to place some kind of work program in place because that might offend somebody---or parents who don't even respect their homes either---these kids didn't get this way from thin air---

And since I do not model THIS era I don't see any on these lines. Didn't we still think of possibilities?

[tstage]

Sorry, fellas.  This is a topic that always ends up polarizing members and ultimately disintegrates into a shouting match.  Let's move on to other topics of interest.  Thanks for your understanding.

Tom