I think most of the time we tend to think of graffiti more on the local level. We look at it with the intention of learning more about the author and their communities, as well as providing cultural and historical context for the time. In his chapter in Understanding Graffiti Lennon argues that “graffiti created geographies of protest that were locally enacted but globally contextualized” (62). This shows us a slightly different side to graffiti in which we see graffiti being used as a form of protest, rather than just a place for messages. In other readings, especially with the reading discussing Rome, we have discussed the significance of the street as a home and place to messages, street signs, signatures, important town information. However, in Cairo during a time of political turmoil, graffiti is being used as an outlet and tool to give voice to the outraged as well as to show everyone around the world how Cairo’s political, social and geographic structures were being altered by the violence in the streets.
I also thought it was interesting how Lennon connected the street and social media. He mentions that even though graffiti in these city spaces are site specific, they are also a global entity. Meaning that when conflict graffiti in Cairo were shared over the internet, Egyptians abroad were connected with images of home as well as the global public was informed of the unrest and conflict. It was the simplest way for Egyptian protesters to spread their messages and show their anger. I find it so interesting that Lennon quoted Saskia Sassen to mention the significance of the “global street” that has become a home for the powerless. As we have traveled throughout medieval Europe, New York City, and even Barbados in this course studying graffiti, we have examined the various reasons that inspire people to leave a mark behind, and what that means about the world around them at the time. We have seen the common theme of graffiti being used as a way to communicate for those who might not ordinarily have the same tools or access to “higher” communication/art forms. I think graffiti is just such a powerful, yet underrated tool that has the ability to connect so many people together. It literally gives voice to the voiceless, and makes them feel like they are being heard when photographs are posted and shared around the world.