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Community Corner

Good Deed Graffiti Artist Strikes Again

The message says as much about the tagger as it does about ourselves.

One of the owners of the home where Evanston's infamous "Good Deed Graffiti Artist" struck again is intrigued by the phenomenon.  Good thing she's not furious.

"We are actually planning to take the cement cistern down so we don’t need to do anything about it," she said.

When I drove to her house to take the photo, I was struck by the message and where it was placed ... next to a crumbling wall.

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Did the tagger leave the message in that very spot on purpose?  Is there a deeper meaning than simply a colorful, inspiring message?  Is the tagger's intent for us to remind ourselves that, despite age, hardship and struggle, we should all love ourselves just the way we are?

Perhaps I'm reading far too much into the message.

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Is it just me, or does the Good Will Graffiti Tagging have a bigger, deeper vibe about it? Believe me, I'm not a fan of  spray painting others' property.  When I was a relatively new homeowner in Evanston, my garage was tagged.  I felt violated.  Singled out.  Watched.  It wasn't a good feeling. I also couldn't understand the scribbled message, which made me feel stupid and clueless and, frankly, afraid.

At the time (12 years ago), the Evanston Police were very honest about dealing with taggers:  they said not to take it personally, that kids are usually the culprits.  I was advised to paint over the markings as soon as possible, just to send a message to taggers that their behavior isn't tolerated. 

 I'm not suggesting that I approve of this tagging, but, like the homeowner, I'm definitely intrigued.

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