Residents are getting fed up finding their property (this carved into a cement wall) vandalized. We are encouraged to hear that the folks who discovered this vandalism on West Leland are now organizing a "Graffiti-
Bustin' Walk" around their neighborhood where they will document vandalism they see and report it to 311. Good on you! We hope that other parts of Uptown will take a cue from these folks and do the same thing in their neck of the woods.
I've never seen a jewish star accompany other gang symbols. Does anyone know if this is anti-semitic vandalism, or is it just gang vandalism?
ReplyDeleteIt's a crip sign. That I know of I don't think it's meant to be anti-semitic.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the ChicagoGangs website:
ReplyDelete"The six pointed Star of David, a Jewish religious symbol in honor of King David of Solomon, is used by the "Folks" alliance in its graffiti. When the leader and founder of the Black Gangster Disciple Nation, David Barksdale was slain, the gang adopted the symbol in his honor. The many gangs who aligned with this gang, under the "Folks" alliance, adopted this symbol for their graffiti and hand signs. Variations of the symbol with and without pitchforks running through it in an upward fashion represents the "Folks" alliance."
I called in some carved-in-the-sidewalk gang graffiti about a month ago, and it's still there. This may be something where it's absolutely necessary to get a tracking number and to call again and again and again until it's taken care of.
ReplyDeleteI made sure to leave my name and number and I also got the confirmation number.
ReplyDeleteI'd say the fact that the gangs are starting to carve their tags into the concrete is a good sign that the spray painted versions are coming down too fast.
ReplyDeleteTwice now I've called about gang graf around my house and both times it was removed within one business day. So, when you call be sure to let them know it is gang related.
ReplyDeleteIf it's not removed, just report it again.
The sooner it's repored and removed, the faster the gangs get the message they aren't wanted there. Tagging everything in sight is their way of gaining a secure foothold, as stupid as it may seem. It's a battle, folks and they're trying to plant their flag.
ReplyDeleteThe ChicagoGangs.org website is a good resource. There are two major gang alliances (nations): People and Folk. People are the Latin Kings and Black P-Stones (and others), represent to the left, and have the 5 pointed star. Folk are the Disciples (and others), represent to the right, and have the six pointed star. The website has some of their other drawings. Drawing a figure upside-down (like an upside-down pitchfork) is a sign of disrespect to another gang. Just some things you learn teaching junior high!
ReplyDelete