the back burner

graffiti #4

This is a fairly accurate metaphor for my community:

Brightly-colored idealism marred by reality. These folks are always trying to make public spaces look bright and wholesome; the backdrop here is a series of murals depicting multi-racial children uttering affirming statements about their community. I haven't seen as much energy or resources spent on addressing systemic problems, though. Art is easier to create than justice.

Anyway, I'm backposting a few photos of graffiti from around these parts. This one was taken in an underpass on the edge of my commune. It's one place I've been told by a well-meaning passer-by to put my cell phone away or have it stolen.

(And in case you're wondering, the black spray-paint scrawl isn't polite language. Don't use it with your francophone friends.)