URBAN CULTURE: GRAFFITI AND RAP
C.L.
Learning to appreciate different forms of expression is an important factor that enables one to understand more of a situation. Throughout time, areas around the world have adapted behavior pattern that significantly differentiate themselves from other locations; this is defined as urban culture. The frequent expansion of modern urban culture can be represented through art forms such as hip-hop that consisted of four elements: rap, graffiti, break dancing and disc jockey. Hip-Hop emerging in the East coast around 1970s created a controversial standpoint to those who participated (Hispanic/ Latinos and African Americans); mostly performed in block parties thrown around New York City. Even though hip-hop was spread around quickly and was used as a form of expression some believe this to be vulgar and a form of disruption to society. Why was this an issue? Why would people have problems on how other express themselves?
A cultural landmark in Queens, New York, 5Pointz became a NYC cultural attraction where tourists went to appreciate the art that had been displayed. Overtime this building filled with graffiti art had been praised until its demolition plan was executed deleting the art from this building. The result to this action was because of votes to build/open condos on the property, but could this have been the only reason of this action? In the article “The Production of Space” by Lefebvre states, that such structural building are not meant for the beauty of art even if it’s a gallery of perfection (Lefebvre 379). Throughout 1970s -20th century graffiti has been associated negatively to society because of how disruptive or how it usually represents, the ghetto, street kids, and violence and associated with crime and vandalism (Graffiti in Its Own Words). Even though some actions are attracted to disorderedly conduct, many use this to show their emotions and talents and by categorizing them with others that don’t represent the same culture, it’s labeled as a form of discrimination. In the article “Discrimination Against Youth Voice” they list possible discriminations against youth people in comminutes and amongst some, they name “ local laws target youth, including anti graffiti laws and the portrayal of youth in gang related activities”.
Hip-Hop has not only been a visual portrayal but also vocal. The ability to speak what comes to mind is exactly why freedom of speech is set as the 1st amendment. Rap is speech; rap is a form of voice that helps you express feelings, thoughts and even provides the ability to grab people attention. Hip-Hop foundation was set in the 1970s in the South Bronx and mainly included communities of poor African American and Hispanic/Latino. With the lyrics containing hate, violence, and obscene tone, rap was given the same neglect as graffiti art. Even with hate towards this art this was a quick way to be heard because of the highly significant story and sentiment that it contained and that many could relate. The question asked, is why do people have problem with his form of expression? I believe that its has to do, not only, with the violent talk or how “dirty“ a graffiti drawing looks, but its because of where and what some people are use to. I was born in Queens, NY and while my parents did not fully agreed with what they saw or heard they respected it because of how talented this art can be and how free one person may feel when being heard or seen.
Work Cited:
Ehrlich, Dimitri, and Gregor Ehrlich. "Graffiti in Its Own Words." NYMag.com. July 3, 2007. Accessed September 7, 2015.
Fletcher, Adam. "Discrimination Against Youth Voice." Discrimination Against Youth Voice. Accessed September 7, 2015
Lefebvre, Henri. The Production of Space. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 1974.https://blackboard.albany.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-1951440-dt-content-rid-8928120_1/courses/2159-ALCS-283-10080/lefebvre_productiospace.pdf (accessed September 7, 2015)
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ReplyDeleteInteresting to read. However, I am a bit confused on how graffiti and rap was created through Latinos struggling for space. I do agree with you--the example with 5Pointz being a cultural landmark and this work of art being demolished for the construction of condos was a great example. I just think that writing was a bit confusing to get the statement of the struggle for space creating Latino urban cultures (perhaps by the way it was written?)
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, great blog and kudos for being the first to blog!
We talked about in class how graffiti was created through Latino's struggling for space because they would graffiti the places that the more wealthy or people not of color would travel by or use, for example the subway… It was commonly used by people who could actually access it. Correct me if I am wrong but I believe that is a great example of struggle for space; they wanted to be seen as one within the community hence their vocalized expression in their music of their oppression. Also the Chicano movement is a great example of this! They used public areas for their murals to reclaim spaces and create a voice for Latinos. I agree with the 5Pointz information and with it being a great example to use and a little more information to clarify Latino struggle for space would be a little more helpful, but overall a great blog!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Teresa in that graffiti is a form of struggle within space, it's a form of art expression and also an expression of the oppression that some may face. Ultimately you engage in graffiti to leave a mark and let others know you have been there, so with the taking of 5 Pointz what they're doing is taking away the culture (Just like they do with gentrification) and the history behind this building. It represents a lot more than the building. 5 Pointz represented a bunch of artists who had no place to put their illegal graffiti and if you were to see 5 Pointz you would see it was more than graffiti, it was really art. As you stated, sometimes graffiti can be tied to gang activities and this is where it can go wrong. But when you use graffiti appropriately to spread a message, it can be something really great. And graffiti is also one of hip hop culture's main elements, which also include urban/streetwear, sneakers, boom boxes and b-boys.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog post. I completely agree with you about graffiti and rap being used as a for of struggle for space. In harlem when you walk around many neighborhoods you well see graffiti in my walls. Everyone in those neighborhoods really appreciate it and look at it as a form of art and people expressing themselves. In harlem De la Vega is a well recognized artist that does painting and graffiti, many latinos there are able to connect to these paintings because he portrays what its like to be a latino living in the United States. One mural I see everytime I go to my moms job is "The spirit of East Harlem", many tourist come to harlem to see this mural. The mural was made to show appreciation to all the hispanic people that were known in the community, this include the lady who owned a bodega for many years, the old men who would sit outside playing dominos, singers at the time and even the children that played in the streets. When I first use to walk past it I never understood why so many people would appreciate the mural but now I am more conscious of it and I realized that this mural has become historic and is a space that belongs to the hispanics in East Harlem.
ReplyDeleteI agree that individuals have a problem with Hip Hop not only because of the types of ideas that it brings out, but also because of where and who the Hip Hop is coming from. Latinos and black individuals coming from poor areas trying to obtain upward mobility would have received a struggle from upper class white individuals no matter what the language or images of the genre actually were.
ReplyDeleteI find it beautiful that a race(s) can portray themselves and culture in rap, graffiti, break dancing and disc jockey. Its interesting and creative that we use art for expression because art is something every individual in partake in and something we each see differently but yet in a way can have the same meaning and use. This is what hip hop important. It united a group that felt oppressed and gave a voice. I see graffiti as a very controversial topic because it can be beautiful but some graffiti is disrespectful and has been used by gangs to mark territory.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you used 5pointz as an example to show the struggle for space. As someone who was born in Queens as well and has grown up admiring 5pointz, it is sad to see how those who supports the building of building condos were able to "win" and ruin the piece of art that was created throughout time. Many would turn to 5pointz to leave their remark and express themselves and once it was demolished in 2014 it did take away a part of queen's identity. It is not the same to ride the 7 train and not see the art we saw every time we rode the train and I'm sure many would agree with me. I also agree with you in how rap is a form of voice especially for those who were oppressed and used music to express themselves. Not far from 5pointz are the Queensbridge Projects where many artists have grown and produced music that express the every day struggle people have had to face in the 80s/90s. I think you did great in using different forms of art to show the struggle for space many queens residents have faced.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree that graffiti is a form of expression. It's an art form that is extremely under appreciated and doesn't get the credit it should. Some people thin that no thought goes into it but in reality just choosing the colors to make the words is a big decision. I think that the way people put it is that just because its done with out permission its automatically to not be accepted.
ReplyDeleteIt’s amazing how graffiti can mean one thing for one person and mean a completely different thing for someone else. For those that create it, graffiti is something positive— something that can be used as a voice to get outsiders to recognize a struggle. But for others, graffiti is associated with the negative. When you brought up art galleries, I wonder if people would pay to visit an art gallery filled with graffiti. As you said, it’s a form of art and expression, but would those people who frown upon public graffiti approve of it as an art style if it were located within the walls of something such as a gallery?
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