William Perry questions the use of the word ‘graffiti’ to describe tagging, amongst other defacements (Graffiti artists need area for self-expression, Letters, Sept. 21)
Contrary to his assumption, graffiti includes tagging. It is Mr. Perry who appears to be redefining the word from its common and established usage.
Merriam-Webster defines graffiti as “unauthorized writing or drawing on a public surface.” Dictionary.reference.com says it is “markings, as initials, slogans or drawings, written, spray-painted or sketched on a sidewalk, wall of a building or public restroom, or the like.”
I am opposed to the scrawls of social misfits which show up on public surfaces. Catch those responsible, give them a rag and some cleaner, and put them to work removing this garbage.
Roel Hurkens
Victoria