Anna,
I wanted to let you know that I appreciated your article about graffiti in Athens. I can’t even tell you how many times I have been having a bad day, gone to the bathroom in Ellis, and seen something that made me smile and feel a little bit better.
I am a journalism major and part of my specialization is in English. As such, I have a particular appreciation for obscure references and things that tie together unexpectedly.
I think there is a particular beauty in being able to connect with random strangers over a shared appreciation of something that had previously seemed obscure.
I love that “AHA!!” moment when something relates to something else that I thought I was the only one who noticed or thought I understood.
When I walk into the Ellis Hall bathroom and see quotes from my favorite, fairly-unknown novel, it makes me smile because that means someone else out there appreciates it, too. It makes me remember that I am a part of a community.
While not all graffiti is appropriate, graffiti does have a time and a place and it is an expression of creativity. It can be beautiful and serve a purpose, even if that purpose is just brightening a dark day with humor, obscure references or relevance.
I wanted you to know that at least one person understood your point of view. I am sorry that you have been personally attacked, especially by those in positions of power and leadership (you would think they would have more tact).
I wish that more people could have conversations while remaining polite and respectful.
I’m sorry about the backlash you have received for simply trying to show your appreciation for the community in which we live.
I mean, really, you’re the one who needs a class on journalistic ethics?
Please....
Ashley Hetman is a junior studying journalism.
