Introduction/Graffiti

Hi everyone,

My name is Raquel Gonzalez. I am a junior at GMU this semester. My freshman year of college, I was going to American University. I lost funding and transferred to Northern Virginia Community College (Alexandria Campus) to finish my Gen Eds. I transferred again this past fall to GMU. I am a student in NCC majoring in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Community Studies. I am taking 14 cedits this semester. My classes are Black Voices in Hip-Hop, Mediation, Leaderhip in a Changing Environment, and a week-long spring break course called Environmental Studies of Puerto Rico. I also work fulltime at FedexKinko's as the Senior Customer Consultant in the Fairfax Commercial Production Center. I live with my boyfriend of 4 years, Greg, and my 12 year old Persian/Himalayan cat, Lightning.




Aren't they just the cutest?!






I just returned from the Spring Break class in Puerto Rico, which let me tell you was NOT all fun and games! We were in a least 1 different city everyday (sometimes up to 3), hiking, caving, rock climbing, taking notes, & writing journal entries. We often spent 10 hours "in class" before having nights to ourselves in "free time". But it was incredible! See a few pictures below:







Now, on to Black Voices in Hip-Hop and Graffiti.
I would have to say that I am not completely receptive to graffiti. I think that the only graffiti that is asthetically pleasing is the mural type. I have always thought the "throw-ups" or quick name recognition pieces were ugly. While I understand the rebellious nature of bombing, I still get offended and angry when I see tags on public tansportation because it is a violation of my (and everyone's) right to relatively quiet, peaceful, astethically pleasing public spaces. I would not have a problem with it if writers put their work on the sides of buildings for youth activities (like P.A.L., Y.M.C.A., schools, and community centers). --I should mention, while I was in Puerto Rico, I saw lots of graffiti that was used as advertisement for political candidates.-- I guess I would say there is a place and a reason or influence for this type of "art". I am not so opposed that I would support someone with exteme opionions like Koch, but I am glad that the DC metro system does not look like the New York trains.