Over the past fifty years, graffiti and street art have emerged as significant movements in public art and street culture, visible on all manner of surfaces throughout urban environments worldwide.
Predictably, this activity has elicited diverse responses from individuals and groups, ranging from admiration to condemnation.
Undoubtedly attention from different stakeholders influences the prevalence of graffiti and street art, and is effected by the local contexts in shaping this public art form.
Societal Responses and Effects
Reactions to graffiti and street art vary significantly. Many people, unless their property is affected, are indifferent often due to apathy or their preoccupation with other pressing concerns. On the other hand, reactions to graffiti and street art can influence its perception and prevalence, creating a recursive effect where attention can either amplify or diminish the activity. This awareness comes from diverse stakeholders, including admirers, detractors, and neutral observers.
Public Indifference vs. Active Engagement
Public indifference often stems from a lack of direct impact or preoccupation with the daily crush of pressing obligations. Conversely, active engagement can come in various forms, including but not limited to such as public exhibitions, media coverage, community projects, scholarship, book publishing, social media, and legal graffiti walls.
Positive attention (that which attempts to legitimate graffiti and street art) is often done by practitioners, who may seek to elevate graffiti and street art as respected forms of artistic expression. Negative attention (that which seeks to control, deter, or eradicate graffiti and street art) is typically spearheaded by community activists, social entrepreneurs, ghost buffers, politicians, and law enforcement, aiming to maintain public order and aesthetics.
Awareness and Its Impact
A key question is whether the responses to graffiti and street art condones and/or enables it, leading to increased activity (perhaps even motivating its practitioners to experiment with new styles, techniques, placement, etc.). Awareness can indeed impact the prevalence and nature of graffiti and street art, as heightened visibility and discussion may encourage more graffiti writers and street artists to participate, while also drawing more efforts to control it. For instance, research shows that cities with legal graffiti walls often see a reduction in illegal tagging, as writers and street artists have designated spaces to work legally.
Stakeholders and Channels of Influence
Different individuals, organizations, and channels of communication operating in various urban locations throughout the world have varying levels of influence. In New York City, for example, because of its long history of urban graffiti, galleries may play a significant role in legitimizing graffiti or more likely street art as an art form. Meanwhile, in places like Nuart, Norway, or Aberdeen, Scotland, annual street art festivals might be more impactful in fostering community engagement and international recognition.
Final Thoughts
The impact of societal responses and the role of different stakeholders in either amplifying or mitigating graffiti and street art are complex. The recursive nature of attention highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of how public art evolves in response to societal engagement. Understanding the motivations behind different viewpoints and the specific impacts of local contexts can provide deeper insights into the future of graffiti and street art.
Photo credit
Title: Berlin-Flughafenkiez (2024)
Photographer: Jeffrey Ian Ross, Ph.D.
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4501.jpg480640Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2024-06-16 15:54:452024-06-16 16:02:41Enabling graffiti and street art in these crazy times?
Every day, we make numerous choices—what to wear, what to eat, which route to take. But why do we lean towards the familiar, and what motivates us to try something new?
Driven by habit or a preference for spontaneity over deliberate planning, many of us navigate these decisions on autopilot. We often face a fundamental choice: accept or embrace the comfort of familiarity or venture into the unknown to explore new options.
Decision-Making Framework
Whether we stick with what we know or take a chance on something new depends on a series of conscious or unconscious cost-benefit decisions. This framework involves weighing the importance of the choice and assessing the alternatives and the stakes: What will we gain, and what might we lose?
Consider a low cost decision like what to eat for breakfast. If you’re tired of the same cereal, you might decide to try a new brand. Problem temporarily solved. Alternatively, with ample time, disposable income, motivation, and curiosity, you might scour your neighborhood, town or city for the perfect breakfast spot.
Keep in mind that many people like variety. Although you may love eating steak, shrimp cocktail or sushi, over time a steady diet of these food items is probably going to wear thin.
Menu fatigue and culinary monotony
For example, many people who visit vacation resorts or go on cruises and opt for the all-inclusive package, which allows them to eat at any of the onboard or on-site restaurants as much as they want, eventually get bored with the food offered. This phenomenon, known as “menu fatigue” or “culinary monotony,” occurs when the variety and excitement of the food options diminish over time, leading to a sense of boredom or dissatisfaction with the meals. This speaks to the human need for variety and our constant search for novelty.
The “Treated Like Royalty” Approach
Imagine, however, your favorite dining establishment where not only are you familiar with the menu, waiters, and perhaps the owner, but you are generally happy with the food they prepare and serve. The personnel greet you by your name, you are taken to your favorite table, and the sommelier always has the perfect wine recommendation. The restaurant may even offer special perks or personalized service, such as wine pairings, or complimentary desserts, This situation provides a relatively high level of comfort, predictability and security in knowing what to expect. However, over time, this consistency can also lead to boredom. the overall experience may become stale.
The Explorer’s Approach
Conversely, embracing the role of an explorer means a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone and deal with uncertainty. Explorers seek new experiences, whether it’s trying a different restaurant, cuisine, visiting a new vacation spot, starting an interesting project, or collaborating with unfamiliar colleagues. This approach may lead to unexpected discoveries and opportunities for emotional, experiential, and intellectual growth. However, it also comes with inherent risks—disappointment, mistrust, failure, and occasional setbacks.
Navigating the Dichotomy
Both approaches have merits and drawbacks. Being treated like royalty offers security and personalized service but can eventually lead to complacency and boredom. On the other hand, exploration brings novelty and excitement, but it also requires tolerance for uncertainty and occasional frustration.
Striking a balance
Ultimately, the choice between settling for the same old same old (and even being treated like royalty) and embracing exploration is personal and situational. Limited resources like time, money, competing obligations and preferences might make us lean towards familiar experiences. At times, we crave the comfort of predictability; at others, we seek the thrill of adventure. Instead of adhering strictly to one approach, finding a balance between the two can enrich our lives. Embrace the richness of both familiarity and exploration, and consider a rational process for high-stakes decisions.
Image credit
Charlie Chaplin from the movie “The Circus” (1928)
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/charlie-chapling-eating-corn-drill.gif180320Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2024-06-09 05:56:272024-06-14 21:39:48Embracing Familiarity Versus Taking a Chance on Something New
Hip Hop, an influential artistic, cultural, political, and social movement rooted in 1970s street culture, is associated with four key pillars: MCing (rapping), DJing, graffiti, and breakdancing.
Hip hop has also fostered core values and principles that continue to shape its evolution and impact.
One significant achievement of Hip Hop is the development of streetwear, a fashion style blending elements of casual wear, sportswear, and Hip-Hop culture (e.g., baggy jeans, oversized t-shirts, baseball caps, bomber jackets, sneakers, etc.).
Streetwear has transcended the hip hop community, becoming a global fashion trend.
Over the years, streetwear has also diversified in both garment types and target audiences. However, this widespread adoption has highlighted somecontradictions between the fundamental values of hip hop and the practices behind streetwear production.
Contradiction in Values
Although some streetwear is manufactured in countries like Turkey, Portugal, and the United States, which have relatively strong labor and environmental laws, a substantial portion of this type of clothing is made in countries such as the Peoples Republic of China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India.
In these countries workers often endure long hours and receive minimal wages. Additionally, enforcement of workers’ rights is generally weak. Although environmental regulations are in place, they are frequently poorly enforced, leading to significant pollution.
The Fast Fashion Dilemma
Some, but not all streetwear can be considered to be fast fashion, characterized by rapidly bringing trendy, affordable clothing to market. But fast fashion contradicts core values of Hip Hop. Fast fashion often depends upon the use of cheap labor, and presents health risks to workers and local environments. Fast fashion also contributes to over consumption and clothing from fast fashion brands is often dumped in countries (typically less developed ones) where waste management regulations are less stringent. These issues starkly contrast with Hip Hop’s values of social awareness and activism.
Call to Conscious Consumerism
Where does this leave us? Similar to checking the ingredients of the food you purchase and eat, the Hip Hop community and aficionados of streetwear need to consider the labor and environmental practices behind their streetwear choices.
They need to question if their fashion choices align with Hip Hop’s focus on social consciousness and activism. This should lead to supporting brands with transparent supply chains, purchasing second-hand items, or prioritizing sustainable materials. By becoming conscious consumers, not only will this support ethical practices and protect the environment but also honor the true spirit of hip hop. ultimately you’re not only what you eat, but what you wear too.
Photographer Bob Doran
Sweat Shop
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/505276769_79d781b70e_o-scaled.jpg19202560Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2024-06-02 03:28:232024-12-15 15:56:50The “Hip-ocrisy” of Streetwear
Enabling graffiti and street art in these crazy times?
/by Jeffrey Ian RossOver the past fifty years, graffiti and street art have emerged as significant movements in public art and street culture, visible on all manner of surfaces throughout urban environments worldwide.
Predictably, this activity has elicited diverse responses from individuals and groups, ranging from admiration to condemnation.
Undoubtedly attention from different stakeholders influences the prevalence of graffiti and street art, and is effected by the local contexts in shaping this public art form.
Societal Responses and Effects
Reactions to graffiti and street art vary significantly. Many people, unless their property is affected, are indifferent often due to apathy or their preoccupation with other pressing concerns. On the other hand, reactions to graffiti and street art can influence its perception and prevalence, creating a recursive effect where attention can either amplify or diminish the activity. This awareness comes from diverse stakeholders, including admirers, detractors, and neutral observers.
Public Indifference vs. Active Engagement
Public indifference often stems from a lack of direct impact or preoccupation with the daily crush of pressing obligations. Conversely, active engagement can come in various forms, including but not limited to such as public exhibitions, media coverage, community projects, scholarship, book publishing, social media, and legal graffiti walls.
Positive attention (that which attempts to legitimate graffiti and street art) is often done by practitioners, who may seek to elevate graffiti and street art as respected forms of artistic expression. Negative attention (that which seeks to control, deter, or eradicate graffiti and street art) is typically spearheaded by community activists, social entrepreneurs, ghost buffers, politicians, and law enforcement, aiming to maintain public order and aesthetics.
Awareness and Its Impact
A key question is whether the responses to graffiti and street art condones and/or enables it, leading to increased activity (perhaps even motivating its practitioners to experiment with new styles, techniques, placement, etc.). Awareness can indeed impact the prevalence and nature of graffiti and street art, as heightened visibility and discussion may encourage more graffiti writers and street artists to participate, while also drawing more efforts to control it. For instance, research shows that cities with legal graffiti walls often see a reduction in illegal tagging, as writers and street artists have designated spaces to work legally.
Stakeholders and Channels of Influence
Different individuals, organizations, and channels of communication operating in various urban locations throughout the world have varying levels of influence. In New York City, for example, because of its long history of urban graffiti, galleries may play a significant role in legitimizing graffiti or more likely street art as an art form. Meanwhile, in places like Nuart, Norway, or Aberdeen, Scotland, annual street art festivals might be more impactful in fostering community engagement and international recognition.
Final Thoughts
The impact of societal responses and the role of different stakeholders in either amplifying or mitigating graffiti and street art are complex. The recursive nature of attention highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of how public art evolves in response to societal engagement. Understanding the motivations behind different viewpoints and the specific impacts of local contexts can provide deeper insights into the future of graffiti and street art.
Photo credit
Title: Berlin-Flughafenkiez (2024)
Photographer: Jeffrey Ian Ross, Ph.D.
Embracing Familiarity Versus Taking a Chance on Something New
/by Jeffrey Ian RossEvery day, we make numerous choices—what to wear, what to eat, which route to take. But why do we lean towards the familiar, and what motivates us to try something new?
Driven by habit or a preference for spontaneity over deliberate planning, many of us navigate these decisions on autopilot. We often face a fundamental choice: accept or embrace the comfort of familiarity or venture into the unknown to explore new options.
Decision-Making Framework
Whether we stick with what we know or take a chance on something new depends on a series of conscious or unconscious cost-benefit decisions. This framework involves weighing the importance of the choice and assessing the alternatives and the stakes: What will we gain, and what might we lose?
Consider a low cost decision like what to eat for breakfast. If you’re tired of the same cereal, you might decide to try a new brand. Problem temporarily solved. Alternatively, with ample time, disposable income, motivation, and curiosity, you might scour your neighborhood, town or city for the perfect breakfast spot.
Keep in mind that many people like variety. Although you may love eating steak, shrimp cocktail or sushi, over time a steady diet of these food items is probably going to wear thin.
Menu fatigue and culinary monotony
For example, many people who visit vacation resorts or go on cruises and opt for the all-inclusive package, which allows them to eat at any of the onboard or on-site restaurants as much as they want, eventually get bored with the food offered. This phenomenon, known as “menu fatigue” or “culinary monotony,” occurs when the variety and excitement of the food options diminish over time, leading to a sense of boredom or dissatisfaction with the meals. This speaks to the human need for variety and our constant search for novelty.
The “Treated Like Royalty” Approach
Imagine, however, your favorite dining establishment where not only are you familiar with the menu, waiters, and perhaps the owner, but you are generally happy with the food they prepare and serve. The personnel greet you by your name, you are taken to your favorite table, and the sommelier always has the perfect wine recommendation. The restaurant may even offer special perks or personalized service, such as wine pairings, or complimentary desserts, This situation provides a relatively high level of comfort, predictability and security in knowing what to expect. However, over time, this consistency can also lead to boredom. the overall experience may become stale.
The Explorer’s Approach
Conversely, embracing the role of an explorer means a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone and deal with uncertainty. Explorers seek new experiences, whether it’s trying a different restaurant, cuisine, visiting a new vacation spot, starting an interesting project, or collaborating with unfamiliar colleagues. This approach may lead to unexpected discoveries and opportunities for emotional, experiential, and intellectual growth. However, it also comes with inherent risks—disappointment, mistrust, failure, and occasional setbacks.
Navigating the Dichotomy
Both approaches have merits and drawbacks. Being treated like royalty offers security and personalized service but can eventually lead to complacency and boredom. On the other hand, exploration brings novelty and excitement, but it also requires tolerance for uncertainty and occasional frustration.
Striking a balance
Ultimately, the choice between settling for the same old same old (and even being treated like royalty) and embracing exploration is personal and situational. Limited resources like time, money, competing obligations and preferences might make us lean towards familiar experiences. At times, we crave the comfort of predictability; at others, we seek the thrill of adventure. Instead of adhering strictly to one approach, finding a balance between the two can enrich our lives. Embrace the richness of both familiarity and exploration, and consider a rational process for high-stakes decisions.
Image credit
Charlie Chaplin from the movie “The Circus” (1928)
The “Hip-ocrisy” of Streetwear
/by Jeffrey Ian RossHip Hop, an influential artistic, cultural, political, and social movement rooted in 1970s street culture, is associated with four key pillars: MCing (rapping), DJing, graffiti, and breakdancing.
Hip hop has also fostered core values and principles that continue to shape its evolution and impact.
These include:
* The promotion of Expression and Authenticity
* Enabling entrepreneurship and Self-Reliance
* Encouraging Creativity and Innovation
* Promoting Community Voice and Unity
* Resistance Against Social and Economic Injustices
* Respect for Oneself, Others, and the Art Form
* Fostering Social Awareness and Activism
One significant achievement of Hip Hop is the development of streetwear, a fashion style blending elements of casual wear, sportswear, and Hip-Hop culture (e.g., baggy jeans, oversized t-shirts, baseball caps, bomber jackets, sneakers, etc.).
Streetwear has transcended the hip hop community, becoming a global fashion trend.
Over the years, streetwear has also diversified in both garment types and target audiences. However, this widespread adoption has highlighted some contradictions between the fundamental values of hip hop and the practices behind streetwear production.
Contradiction in Values
Although some streetwear is manufactured in countries like Turkey, Portugal, and the United States, which have relatively strong labor and environmental laws, a substantial portion of this type of clothing is made in countries such as the Peoples Republic of China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India.
In these countries workers often endure long hours and receive minimal wages. Additionally, enforcement of workers’ rights is generally weak. Although environmental regulations are in place, they are frequently poorly enforced, leading to significant pollution.
The Fast Fashion Dilemma
Some, but not all streetwear can be considered to be fast fashion, characterized by rapidly bringing trendy, affordable clothing to market. But fast fashion contradicts core values of Hip Hop. Fast fashion often depends upon the use of cheap labor, and presents health risks to workers and local environments. Fast fashion also contributes to over consumption and clothing from fast fashion brands is often dumped in countries (typically less developed ones) where waste management regulations are less stringent. These issues starkly contrast with Hip Hop’s values of social awareness and activism.
Call to Conscious Consumerism
Where does this leave us? Similar to checking the ingredients of the food you purchase and eat, the Hip Hop community and aficionados of streetwear need to consider the labor and environmental practices behind their streetwear choices.
They need to question if their fashion choices align with Hip Hop’s focus on social consciousness and activism. This should lead to supporting brands with transparent supply chains, purchasing second-hand items, or prioritizing sustainable materials. By becoming conscious consumers, not only will this support ethical practices and protect the environment but also honor the true spirit of hip hop. ultimately you’re not only what you eat, but what you wear too.
Photographer Bob Doran
Sweat Shop