I would never tag a train. Because as everyone knows that would be illegal. And I for one, would never suggest anyone do something illegal. No sir, that’s not the sort of thing we want to promote on the Dope. A friend of mine, however, does not share these values, and in her youth was known to tag things like trains, buildings, bridges, and water towers. Some folks consider this defacing property while others consider this a form of folk art.
There’s something about tagging, though, that screams urban environment. I guess I always assumed it is easier not to be observed tagging in locations where there are a lot of buildings and other objects around to conceal a tagger’s presence. I find it fascinating to see what I imagine is gang-related graffiti/tags on railroad cars in unlikely places - such as in rural western Iowa.
Tags on trains look quite different now than how I recall the way they looked in the early 1970’s. A couple of different distinct graffiti ‘styles’ seem to have emerged over the years. I wonder if trains have served as the principle means and medium for the spread and popularization of these styles? One style that’s emerged features very jagged letters. This style probably has a name, but I don’t know what it’s called. I believe it originated in the US but this particular style can now be seen in locations as diverse as Europe and South America. It’s almost as if international standards are emerging for graffiti.
Do you have any acquaintances (because we KNOW no one posting here would ever engage in or promote illegal activities) that believe it is wrong to paint over or cover another taggers’ work? Does anyone know if there have been any serious anthropological studies conducted on graffiti or tagging?
Stobe the Hobo tagged trains during his “Stobe Attack.” He hopped trains all over the country, filming it for YouTube, sometimes running from the yard cops. Then in November 2017, Stobe and a train tried to occupy the same space. Stobe lost. They found him laying by the track, GoPro in his backpack. RIP James Stobie, Coast Guard veteran and all around good guy.
Yes, even back in caveman days, those cave drawing that some did just seemed so getto/urban environment even back then.
But what I have noticed is the bubble letters more then jagged letters, but some new style will overtake the old one, after all it’s nothing new under the sun, all is meaningless.
I remembered once watching a movie where someone was electrocuted while tagging in a subway, but couldn’t remember if it was Breakin’ or Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo. With some googling, it turns out to be Beat Street. Anyway, I always considered that a happy ending.