Home > So, what do you think? > Archives > 2008 > August > 22 > Entry
School graffiti - the scourge of autumn
So … another school year is upon us, and so is another rash of no-class class graffiti.
Rash seems a pretty good description for the paint that already has started staining buildings, neighborhood entrances, street signs and anything else the vandals can touch.
Yeah, I know. It’s all in good fun, right? School spirit and all that jazz. I’m sorry if I sound like a grump, but I don’t see much to celebrate in runny paint that says something about as original as “09 rules!”
Can’t they at least use water colors? Something that’ll disappear after a week or so?
Or maybe the kids could confine their artwork to Nipple Rock … that infamous geological wonder that sticks out of the embankment on Hunter Hill Road as you approach Northern Nash.
Painting boulders isn’t much better than throwing graffiti on school walls, but at least it holds the mess to one location, and it upholds a tradition, however dubious that tradition might be. Plus, it gives us all a chance to snicker at the faces of folks new to the area the first time we say the words, “Nipple Rock.”
Then again, maybe I’m not that all more mature than the painters.
Comments
By Jim Martin
August 22, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
For what it’s worth: Charlotte-Mecklenburg had a high school graffiti problem for years with their students showing school spirit on their rivals’ buildings. It eventually worked its way into a serious problem.
I don’t remember who came up with the idea, but it was suggested that each high school have a large boulder placed on school grounds in the front area of each school where it could readibly be seen. The kids were asked to show their school pride/spirit on the rocks and not on the buildings.
Before the many schools squared off in a contest, each school would paint the others rock with their own school colors. But the painting wasn’t just limited to sports. The rock was more or less fair game anytime of the day or night and any messages of sort could be painted so long as it wasn’t profane. As long as just the rock was painted, no one feared retribution. But typically, the painting was done at night.
I think the tradition there now is going on thirty years and, as to my recollection, was quite successful in helping to keep the paint off the buildings. I have been away for several years so I don’t know how todays youth are handling their paint jobs. Maybe the Nash County School System might want to consider something of this nature.
By Trevor
August 22, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Simple fun and games from a bunch of “young” people. Even in other states the tradition runs rampant. ” ‘09 rocks ” is being plastered on some sign as I type this. If we left the stuff there, the vandals would have no place to put their “artwork.” And, sorry about Brett Favre again…Go Jets.
By Jeff
August 23, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
Jim, the schoolyard rock idea sounds like a great idea. Thanks for mentioning it!
Trevor, I got yer young people’s “artwork” right here. grrr …
(good to hear from you, buddy)
By ken
August 25, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this
graffiti? (maybe one answer is the Naval Junior Reserve Training Corp)..’values’. we’ve had much character and value training in schools..from elementary and on—so why still graffiti? people needing a purpose and direction—keeping busy with something productive. even with ‘values’ training, young people need activities and group programs to help direct their energies and talents. PS all the problems aren’t the kids.
what a welcome message in the Telegram today that Nash Central High is starting a Naval Junior Reserve Training Corp. these ROTC type programs bring out the best in students and give them a chance to shine out while being part of a disciplined group.
Navy? I sure look forward to seeing those youngsters dressed up, spiffy, and marching. In fact, sure hope they can make it to this year’s Christmas parade in full uniform.
another point on the kids. they need exposure and opportunity. couple years ago a navy man was able to work it out to have a Navy marching band stop by a local school system to perform— not just to perform, but to be there as an example for these kids. to see what ‘they’ could do in the future, how ‘their’ skills in any high school band program could be used in the military band, how they might go on to a military college— or, just to see some men and women at their best and who they can admire.
so, did the local school accept the offer? no. why not? you tell me. and they wondered why their program had so many discipline problems—
guess what. one of our neighboring counties took up the offer—instead of going to one of our schools, the Navy band went to the Wilson County Schools to perform.
a favor requested, a favor granted, and then turned down by leadership that didn’t understand or appreciate our military—all at the expense of an opportunity for the students.
well, maybe there were good reasons for turning down the offer— managers/leaders ususally do have reasons the rest of us don’t see; certainly if students would not behave that could be a consideration.
for me? still looking forward to seeing those young men and women at Nash Central High School walking around in those uniforms and hope the program will get maximum support.