My opinion on graffiti is art or vandalism? This is the question many people want to know; there are two sides to this debate: people who believe that graffiti is art and also a form of expression of self and others who feel it is nothing more than ruthless vandalism. Both sides have a great argument, but only one can be rite before we can take a stand, we first need to know what exactly is graffiti, art and vandalism? According to the Oxford dictionary, graffiti is writing or drawings illegally scribbled, scratched or sprayed on a wall or other surface in a public place. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayNow vandalism defined by Webster's dictionary is deliberately malicious or harmful destruction or damage to property. Now Oxford's Art Defined dictionary goes on to describe Art as “the expression or use of creative skill and thought, usually in a visual form such as sculpture, creating works to be appreciated primarily for their emotional power. Based on these definitions it is now clear to me and I hope to you that graffiti is vandalism and not art as people want to believe. People may wonder whether the description of these words alone can be used to determine the debate, this question may depend on the intentions of the graffiti writer or sprayer. Vandalism becomes vandalism when its intention is spiteful and leads to the destruction of property without the permission of the owner, designated and authorized attorneys. Let me ask you a question: labeling a wall with spray paint or the back of a school bus chair with an ink pen Or the windows of a bus with markers, is that art no! It's not! Art is not something that everyone should like! Not a bunch of sore losers with spray cans and ink pens painting and scribbling on public walls, on buses, on fences or somewhere that doesn't belong. Considering graffiti as art is limiting when dealing with law enforcement because graffiti is considered illegal and against the law. Tapping into private property without the owner's permission can lead to large fines, hours of community service and possible jail time. While colorful images can convey positive messages such as "say no to drugs", they can be considered vandalism if they deface people's property because the artist went against the law and marked a space that was not their property to the start. Getting permission from the property owners determines whether or not graffiti is art because it is considered vandalism if there was no consent to begin with. Although some artworks have great potential to be displayed in art museums, artworks turn into acts of vandalism as they continue to be drawn illegally in prohibited spaces. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Custom EssayDetermining graffiti's place in life has been a controversial issue for years. The questions of what makes graffiti art and not an act of vandalism will remain unanswered until anti- and pro-graffiti activists unite to search for the true meaning of graffiti art. Meanwhile, the law has the right to stop graffiti artists and vandalism when they draw or mark people's properties without consent. No matter how beautiful the artwork may be, it will be covered in paint if an agreement is not reached between both.