What specific feedback would you like to receive from your peer review group about this draft?

I would like to receive feedback that indicates whether or not it is easy to understand both the differing opinions concerning graffiti and the controversy that surrounds this issue. I also would like to know, naturally, which elements of my draft need the most revising/attention.

What was the best part?

The best part of composing this draft was learning about the history of street art and knowing that I can share this information with others, as art is something I am very passionate about.

What was the most frustrating part of producing this draft?

For me, the most frustrating part of producing my research paper draft was clearly explaining the differences between vandalistic graffiti and street art. As street art is a component of the category of graffiti, it was difficult to explain why this is something positive and beneficial to societies. I also found it challenging to organize my topics into a comprehensive draft.

Positive Aspects

While graffiti can instill fear in communities at the most extreme level, it also can inspire. Art, at all levels, gives a voice to regular citizens. Graffiti is a form of free expression and provides people a solution to their desire to make their opinions known to the public. While graffiti may not change policies in the world today, it at least shows that individuals feel strongly about topics they hope will change. Street art can be beautiful, despite popular belief, promoting wall murals, inspirational drawings, etc. In cities such as Philadelphia, for example, wall art is very popular and is used as a technique in "beautifying" communities.

Negative Aspects

Authorities today define graffiti as vandalistic markings drawn or spray painted on the surface of buildings, sidewalks, etc. Communities take measures to remove graffiti and prevent it's occurrence by instilling laws such as making the selling of spray paint illegal to minors (under 18) in some areas. Graffiti makes people feel unsafe, can encourage higher forms of crime, and encourages more forms of vandalism. Graffiti can also be offensive, as it commonly includes discriminatory themes and harsh, racist language.

Thesis

For my research paper, my main idea is to discuss graffiti and street art in general, concentrating on the impacts this form of art and/or vandalism has on society. In most cities, graffiti is viewed as destructive and demeaning, giving communities a negative feel and promoting deviance on various levels. This form of art however, has had a fair share of positive contributes. Street art encourages expression and creativity, while influencing fashion and pop culture. Artists today find inspiration in forms of graffiti, developing a likeness for the rebellious and limitless qualities it focuses on. I hope to bring into light the positive attributes this form of street art can create, while detailing where this art comes from and where it occurs most.