Q. In your opinion, what were the motivations that drove the graffiti artists to create their art? In addition, why did they use the subway cars of the New York City Transit Authority as their canvases?
The main motivation as expressed by the graffiti artists themselves in the film is to “bomb” neighborhoods, trains, new spots, etc. The so-called bombing is the highest form of self-expression on large scale for the graffiti artists that come from low income families and broken homes. In fact, Style Wars takes a look into the family makeup of some of the artists. One artist’s mother is not keen on her son’s participation in graffiti painting, but the graffiti artist’s passion and drive to “bomb” overcomes any lack of acceptance. The graffiti artists’ deep need to express themselves to the public eventually produces exceptional artists that feed off of the intense competition among different artist with different styles.
Their satisfaction comes from doing something that has not been done before in a place that is unique yet visible to many people. B y putting their art on the side of a train or even on the inside of a train, the graffiti artist sends a message to the general public that is otherwise unwilling to accept them in other areas of life. The graffiti is undeniable and inescapable to a =broad spectrum of viewers. Their analogy of “bombing” is used to describe their aggressively inserting art into a conspicuous place as a sort of interruption or explosion of space, which is an undeniable representation of self-expression.
Q. Explain why you think the New York City Transit Authority and the city government, represented by Mayor Edward Koch, were so relentless in trying to dissuade the graffiti artists from doing their work on the subway cars.
The authorities saw the graffiti artists as “vandals.” The authorities saw no beauty or creativity in the graffiti and view the artists as reckless and obtrusive. In reality, most people would agree that the graffiti defaces public property in defiance of the governmental authority.
In an interview with the Ed Koch, Mayor of New York, Koch abstractly compares doing graffiti with murder! He also expresses concern about effect of the graffiti on the “the quality of life” for New Yorkers. He feels the graffiti writers are “destroying our life style and making it difficult to enjoy life.” As a subway rider himself, the Mayor apparently did not enjoy looking at the graffiti, so he declared war on the “writers.” One graffiti artist retaliated with a “Dump Koch” bomb on the side of a train. Koch reacted with joy stating that he knew he was getting to the artists.
Q. In your opinion, explain what have been the positive and negative effects of the commercialization of hip-hop.
Culture involves the way of life of a population, including the ways in which they choose to express their identity. Thus the hip-hop culture is more than just music. It includes fashion, art in the form of graffiti, break dancing and more.
In my opinion the commercialization of hip-hop has not had many positive effects. It has glorified the negative aspects of lower segments of society without showing the tremendous pain that drives the expression of hip-hop. The empowering side of hip-hop shows that you can create, imagine, think, and be strong while dealing with impossible odds. Imagination and creativity is the backbone to producing Hip Hop, and this is something our youth need in today’s world. To the extent hip-hop replaces physical violence with dance battles and graffiti artwork battles, it is certainly a step in reducing the incidence of youth violence. However, the commercialization of attitudes that lead to broken lives does nothing to help kids.
From a commercial point of view, Hip hop has proved to be extremely profitable to those succeeding to climb the ranks of stardom such that many young people are inspired to succeed in a hip hop career. Hip-hop has also built an industry around its sense of fashion and music sales, which creates jobs. On the other hand, Hip-hop sells a way of life that is simply unrealistic too the vast majority of Americans. Music videos featuring rappers in expensive cars and houses, wearing large expensive jewelry, and flaunting large amounts of cash are just some of the examples that rise to the level of absurd. This unrealistic image encourages people to live beyond their means in trying to keep up with this image. Hard core rap is also associated with drugs, especially marijuana. This encourages teenagers to try risky drugs because their role models joke about getting high. In reality, drugs destroy families and careers.
Many hip-hop music videos are filled with scantily clad women who dance provocatively to obscene and derogatory lyrics. This is degrading to women while it cultivates a negative attitude of disrespect in young people towards women and figures of authority.
Q. Of the four modes of hip-hop that Style Wars focuses on – graffiti, break dancing, DJing and rap – rap has become the most popular and today is a highly commercial and capitalistic enterprise. Explain why you think rap music has endured and evolved into such a powerful phenomenon.
Hip-hop culture let the young people use their skills as rappers, graffiti artists and break dancing to reorganize socially and form a new sub-culture that spread through New York City and eventually across the country. Graffiti obviously did not become commercially popular because of steps taken by cities to combat the problem. Djing requires equipment and money that is not accessible to many lower-income kids. Break-dancing evolved into other forms of dance that are popular today in hip-hop. Rap was the most logical means of social expression in a vocal or a physical means. This artistic representation takes both an understanding of balance and rhythm that can be as difficult to master. Rap music addresses in a creative way public yet rebellious issues. It goes against the mainstream using catchy beats to grab the attention of its listeners. Hip Hop and Rap artist use their music to express their views, opinions, and how they are feelings in their songs. From the artist lyrics some will have an understanding of what the artist is talking about because either they have done the same things or are having the same problem.
Q. Does this film have merit to show to college students? Explain why or why not.
In my opinion Style Wars is good to show on a college class because is an informative and appealing documentary. It is also exciting, following graffiti writers into underground tunnels and into train yards. The film comments on the importance of knowing the roots of graffiti writing and its appeal to the art world. It is fascinating to understand what makes the graffiti artist do what he does. This is a good way to learn about history in New York and to understand our American society.
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