Graffiti Taggers Should Be Given Dose of Reality

I guess it was just a matter of time before a serious incident would happen between local taggers and our San Fernando Valley citizenry.

This issue of defacing and marring personal property is, to say the least, highly charged for everyone involved. It has to be very frustrating to the home/shop owner whose personal property is continually being defaced at the whim of individuals who seem to have total disregard for the property of others.

I was saddened by the report of a tagger losing his life over an issue as basic as “respect for others,” but not entirely surprised. I believe the solution to the graffiti/tagging problem is both convoluted and complex, but feel strongly that the kids doing the tagging have to be given a dose of reality .

The reality is, what truly matters in order to get ahead in our present society are: 1) A simple library card. 2) A high school diploma. 3) Trade school graduation. 4) Perhaps a college degree. 5) A good sense of family life. 6) A work ethic. 7) Responsibility for your actions. Each is available to every individual.

Until we find a way to help educate children, parents and teachers to this concept, I feel we are doomed to go about our current, catch-as-catch-can method of dealing with graffiti taggers. The taggers, meanwhile, will continue to deface and mar property with an “in your face” attitude, all the while blaming others for their plight. The saddest and most bewildering thing is, that some will even have the support of the leaders of their communities.

C. ROBERT TRIGGS

Granada Hills