Here We Go Again: Part Two

Yesterday I promised that I would reveal my solution to tagging/graffiti problems. So, true to my word, here we go. Are you ready? Drum roll, please ...

Um ... actually, I don't have one.

Now, wait -- before you feel burned, there's a reason why I don't have one. The reason is, there is no solution. Tagging and graffiti are human behaviors that have cultural roots. These are not things that you find solutions for, these are things that you develop approaches to. So, while I don't have a magic bullet for you, I will share the approach I'd recommend.

The approach involves two 'tiers' consisting of accountability and engagement. To begin with accountability, we should recognize that tagging/graffiti is a crime of vandalism that hurts people. However, I don't think that accountability focusing on punishment or rehabilitation (as do most current accountability approaches) is the way to go. Frankly, if I had property that I've poured my life and soul into, I'd care very little if the person responsible for damaging that property was in jail or therapy (both on my tax dime, I might add). No, the type of accountability I would want is restorative justice. Restorative justice is a theory of justice that involves the offender in repairing the harm done by the crime, and in helping to restore the balance in the community affected by the crime. If you are not familiar with restorative justice, I've placed some information links in the Web Resources section of the InterNetwork for Youth.

The second tier focuses on engagement, but this is a bit more complex than accountability. Stop by on Monday for an explanation of the engagement tier.

Have a great weekend!