a misguided smudge

Some folks might call me a hypocrite for celebrating some graffiti but condemning other graffiti - so be it. On an abandoned building or other non-historic, public space I find graffiti an engaging part of the visual  public conversation. We're so awash in corporate images and logos, the markings of the "Corporate Person," that we have come to think of locally made original images as somehow criminal rather than part of a public conversation. 

However, when it comes to natural features or historic ruins, graffiti has no place - the location distracts from any potential message or content in the markings. For example, check out the above image of the smeared mess of a sloppy, unclear and ugly "tag" that was recently deposited on the historic ruins of Foushee's Mill built in 1819 down by Texas Beach. In this misguided smudge, I can only read a single word: LOSER.

Folks who feel compelled to mark on natural features or historic ruins should use chalk or other biodegradable substance so graffiti artists won't look like such selfish jerks.