Seeing Beyond Scribbled Surfaces: An Exploratory Study on Graffiti Writing in a University Setting

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the nature of graffiti writing in a university setting. Specifically, it sought to determine the perceptions and attitudes of students towards graffiti writing, identify the reasons why students write graffiti and the restrains of those who don’t, and identify whether graffiti writings are used to express their distress. The study was conducted at the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of the Philippines Manila. Survey questionnaires were distributed to 327 college students to determine their perceptions towards graffiti writing. Semi-structured interviews with selected participants were then conducted to explore other aspects of graffiti writing. No significant difference was found between the perceptions of graffiti writers and non-graffiti writers in their regard for the act as positive or negative or whether graffiti writing is an art or not. Perceptions and attitudes generally ranged from neutral to positive. Reasons for writing graffiti included: (1) selfexpression; (2) boredom; (3) to “make a mark”; (4) to identify with others; and (5) to do something “bad but fun”. Restrains of those who do not engage in graffiti writing included: (1) early teachings from parents and school; and (2) inclinations to cleanliness. Graffiti was also found to be a stress reliever for most students, and is also seen as another factor contributory to the emergence of graffiti writings in school settings.