Writing on the walls: Graffiti and civic identity

Abstract

This exploratory study uses Westheimer and Kahne's (2004) conceptual model of the three planes of 'good' citizenship activity to consider the civic contribution of youth graffiti writers in the community of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Through seven qualitative case studies of youth and young adults, it examines young graffiti artists' perceptions of their participation in their communities and their views on graffiti writing and its place in their lives. The results show that contrary to public opinion, the youth interviewed who participate in graffiti writing in its most artistic form, "piecing", are not focused on vandalism but have carefully considered their relationships with their community and their art. The use of a Youth Research Assist ant in five of the interviews demonstrates that youth themselves, given specific roles in the research process, can add to the richness of data collected. Drawing on literature in graffiti, Hip-Hop cultural studies and community and youth engagement, this study adds to the growing body of research that focuses on youth 'assets' (the existing strengths that youth bring to their involvement in societal affairs) (Benson, 1997; Scales & Laffert, 1999; Ungar, 2005). The research and findings offer an alternate perspective on youth voice, civic identity, citizenship and rule breaking in Canadian democratic society.