When we first arrived at our apartment building in Trastevere, which used to be a convent, we were immediately surrounded by all different types of graffiti on our building and the walls which lined the street. At first, I was extremely shocked and disappointed by how much vandalism existed all over this gorgeous and historic city. But now that I’ve had about a week and a half to think more about it, I am beginning to realize maybe where these “artists” are coming from. Rome is not exactly the easiest city to live in. In years past, the government was very hypocritical and unjust to many of its lower-class citizens. This may have been the graffiti artists’ way of speaking out and sticking it to “the man”. Even though this is not a practice that I agree with, and it makes me sad to see statues covered in paint, I can maybe for a brief moment see where these anarchists are coming from. If you cannot gain the respect of your own country, and no one seems to be listening to your wants and needs, maybe sending a graffiti message will make you feel better about your situation. Every day life for these people is "No Party". Revenge is not the answer, but it may very well be the reason why graffiti occurs. Think about injustice before you judge these “rebels”.
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