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.
