Joey’s graffiti
I searched Bloomington for graffiti which was political in its nature. By political, I mean anything which references or is critical of the United States government. Hot topics which are based on current issues are being discussed in the back-alleyways of Bloomington. However, due to the nature of the discussion, it is better for people to voice their opinions anonymously sometimes. In doing so, one avoids the possible social ostracizing that comes with a radical stance.
Item 1: “Resist I-69”
resist i-69
Located on the side of “420” shop on Kirkwood. This graffiti, measuring roughly 5 X 10 feet, is one of the larger pieces that can be found with political undertones. Its size and simplicity of message are part of what make it so effective as a medium. In Indiana right now, many people want more roads built to increase the rate at which goods can be transported. However, some people feel that there are already too many roads in a state of disrepair, and new ones should not be built. The graffiti calls for resistance to the highway – a sort of rallying call to citizens to keep watch on the government’s use of our tax dollars.
Item 2: “Wisdom”
wisdom
This piece, which I located on the side of Chase Bank on Kirkwood Avenue, features a stencil of the Dalai Lama’s face with the word “wisdom” written on his forehead. The Dalai Lama has a special connection to Bloomington, as his brother moved here after they were both exiled from China due to their outspoken views on China’s treatment of Tibet. He is seen by some as a counterculture revolutionary, speaking out against governmental regimes of immense authoritative power.
The Dalai Lama has gained a certain celebrity in the states, especially with younger people, by holding public talks in which he extols the Buddhist way of life and teaches people how to live their daily lives more in tune with their spiritual consciousness.
Item 3: “Christo Fascist”
George W Bush is a Christo-Facist
This piece, which I found on the side of Domo Steak and Sushi on Third Street, is a stencil of George Bush’s face with the claim that he is a Christo-Fascist. By this, the artist is referring no doubt to our President’s concept of church versus state. It is built into our Constitution to separate matters of church and state; however, many feel that Bush keeps the two in close proximity to one other. He is constantly saying “God bless America” as a well as making claims that God seems to favor the U.S. over other nations. The fascism aspect comes in when people feel that Bush is literally forcing Christianity on Americans. A fascist government’s support of a particular religion is a big fear in a liberal area such as Bloomington. As such, it is not surprising to find such open, blatant criticism against our President here.
Item 4: “Rob the Casbah”
Rob the Casbah
This is a reference to the Clash’s song “Rock the Casbah,” a song about war in the Middle East. Located on the side of Tracks on Kirkwood Avenue, this graffiti makes reference to a popular belief in America that we are currently fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq in order to obtain oil rights. We are robbing them of what is, by way of possession, their oil. This is justified by our government, according to some, because oil is needed to maintain our economy. Such a message is critical of our efforts in the Middle East, and accordingly could not in good taste be publicly shared outside the anonymous medium of graffiti.
Item 5: “Your Patriotism in Action”
Patriotism in Action
This piece, which I found on the side of Soma Coffeehouse on Kirkwood, shows a bomb dropping. It claims this bomb is a direct result of people’s patriotism. This piece is a reference to public’s support of the war. It is easy for an American citizen to support the war from all the way back in America. Back here, all we see are positive chants and rallying cries for our troops, but over in the desert this simply equates to more death. Every increase in public support for this war simply brings about more funding for more bombs. This graffiti artist would probably wish a peaceful resolution to the Middle Eastern conflict.