The San Matean

Issue date: 3/3/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Ricky Light

Whether you think of it as vandalism or as art, graffiti is unavoidable at CSM. Graffiti exists in all mediums, from pen to paint, occasionally it is even detailed in color.

According to Diane Martinez, facilities manager, graffiti is a real problem around campus. This on going problem primarily lies in the men's bathroom and other areas with heavy foot traffic, this form of property damage has lead to many changes in both CSM's mentality and building renovation.

New partitions have been constructed in buildings like 18 and 36 -a stark comparison to the bathrooms in Bldg's 6 and 10.

"It's an expression of art, man. I've done it before and I'll do it again. I've tagged in bldg. 16's bathroom and on the library, but they washed it off, and they always wash it off so why should I stop? Fair game," says student.

Martinez partially attributes this to the ages of the students. "There is the transition from high school to college, so there is a lot of residual immature behavior," said Martinez "All graffiti is offensive, no matter what the vandal is trying to convey."

"Yeah, I've drawn on the walls before. I wouldn't call it graffiti, it was just a note to my friend. It was in pencil, it could be rubbed right off," says another student.

In the wake of these disturbing events, many students are curious as to which precautions are taken to help prevent this ongoing problem.

"The new partitions being constructed, or for the old buildings, being restored, are being made with new materials and colors.

No more white or light, solid colors, there is usually a pattern. It is less inviting because the vandal can't use it as effectively," Martinez states. Despite student opinions that there has been an increase in the graffiti, Martinez believes the opposite.

"It's a combination of a few things. The students are being more respectful of the facilities. They are less inclined to damage or destroy them," said Martinez "Vandalize is a more appropriate word to use, not even graffiti." Reiterating her point she says, "All graffiti is offensive."

Whether there has been an increase or decrease in this type of property, defacing remains primarily subjective, but Martinez implores students to abstain from it. Whether it is a degrading slur or an expression of creativity, it is still illegal.

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