30 Examples Of Hilariously Polite Graffiti
The reputation of graffiti is not what it used to be. Once viewed as a nuisance and a sign of crime and social degeneracy, more and more cities are taking a new approach by putting up welcome areas for street art, or commissioning artists who are proficient with spray paint to decorate old buildings with murals. Of course, graffiti varies heavily in terms of complexity and mass appeal, and many argue that by arbitrarily picking what kind of street art is socially acceptable and should be encouraged by the law is simply creating a sanitized version of the traditional form of expression, as even the simplest scrawls have a purpose of expressing an opinion, frustration, or simply affirmation that one exists and wants to be heard.
Most of the graffiti in this post falls into the latter category, but with one common feature: the writer put it there just to make the next person laugh, smile, or think.
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12 hours ago
That one way to get it painted by the city.
13 hours ago
Canada, is that you?
Scrawls on bathroom walls are a bit different and fall into a category of their own, a phenomenon that has been the subject of entire academic studies. Officially called “latrinalia,” writing on bathroom walls is something that psychologists have suggested we do because of the potential to express things that may be inappropriate without being suspected, as it’s being done behind closed doors in a space where people usually keep to themselves.
It’s almost like posting on online forums. And much like the modern anonymous comments section, the content often tends toward crude and inflammatory, but this list shows that there are some well-wishers who want to brighten their captive audience’s day.
8 hours ago
So… is it safe for women?
13 hours ago
Agree!
13 hours ago
Lovely writing
Some people have even used the stereotypical kind of vandalism that city councils hate for material good. Last year saw an epidemic of Brits forcing their local authorities to prioritize road repairs by painting every uninventive tagger’s favorite body part over the offending potholes.
In 2015, one anonymous chaotic good character became infamous for the practice in Manchester, calling himself Wanksy, and apparently the approach that he pioneered has been repeated with success elsewhere. Locals can complain about this method all they want, but they can’t say it doesn’t get the job done.
5 hours ago
“Gay” crossed out underneath. Because everyone knows living your mom is so gay.
7 hours ago
Hahahahaa
13 hours ago
True for anyone with anxiety
11 hours ago
I love your cat too!
3 hours ago
THIS IS OT TRUE!!!!!! im ugly and dont litter
12 hours ago
something a 7 year old would write. Kind of funny
12 hours ago
Hahaha, calling them out for not matching. Too funny
12 hours ago
More people need that reminder
12 hours ago
Nice correction
4 hours ago
me trying to graffiti
12 hours ago
heck you buddy, lol
11 hours ago
I wanted to write this but didn’t have time to fi
11 hours ago
It’s the accurate use of spelling and grammar by two strangers that’s moving me the most!
3 hours ago
You mom loves you too!
2 hours ago
I wish everyone knew this truth.
11 hours ago
That whole wall looks weirdly photoshopped?
7 hours ago
Wear your helmet, kids!
9 hours ago
was literally there for years until it was recently painted over by a graffiti artist called Helch – I miss Peas
8
7 hours ago
Agreed!
11 hours ago
Aww… thanks! U2!
2 hours ago
I don’t always succeed, but I do try.
11 hours ago (edited)
My Mom’s so heavy-weight I call her Mother Earth.
Note: this post originally had 75 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
Read more: http://www.boredpanda.com/polite-graffiti/