84 THRASHER
NO DUMPING
VIOLATORS WILL
BE PROSECUTED
wallons
G7257
Jones Keeffe
Catches a kickfip
off the Brooklyn
banks in graffiti's
undisputed Mecca:
New York City.
REMEMB
FIFF
MAGING
ow Spot ve
CAUTION
STREET DEPT
Chris Cycle gets up in deface
of authority and goes over any
barriers the city puts in his way.
Jon See Lim RIP 6/19/79-3/18/98
BP
As I sit and look back on my youth, I see
that two activities have influenced my development
more than any others in my life thus far. These two
activities' roots sprung forth from my early rebellious
teens and still carry on into my late twenties. What
started as escapism and peer interaction now con-
tinues to function as a means of self-expression,
identity, and yes, even stress relief. These two activ-
ities have given me some of my best friends, some
of my greatest accomplishments, and taken me on
some true real life adventures. I have seen blazing
hot mid-days and freezing mid-nights. I've also had
more contact with the local law enforcement per-
sonnel than I care to remember.
These two activities that I am talking about are
skating and writing (graffiti). It easy to see why
these two activities can be linked. The similarities.
between the two are many. Just as skating is its
own culture with its own generations, language,
and aesthetics, so is graf. The youth have created.
their own way of expressing themselves, with no
need for acceptance from, nor control by, estab-
lished institutions such as schools, museums and
government offices. Outsiders try to exploit the cul-
tures, ESPN and token gallery owners try to give
skating and graffiti exposure, but it is not needed.
After they have taken from us what they want, the
true will still pursue their due. The fact is, skaters
and writers do not have to pay for a good time. A
smooth marble ledge can offer hours of enjoyment
just as well as a fully packed train yard. We have
become self-empowered through our actions and
the creation of our own cultures. Both skaters and
writers view the environment differently from every-
one else. Staircases, handrails, curb cuts, train
tunnels, truck yards, and city streets have become
the new playgrounds for the next generation. We
find value in what others deem useless. Empty
pools and abandoned buildings become our
offices. But no need to punch a timeclock here-we
work on our own schedule.
Because of my involvement in skating and graffiti,
I feel I have been given a unique perspective on life.
I have been given a sense of community, a sense of
identity, and years of memories and stories. I just
can't picture life without these two.
Remember, bombing skate spots is wack! Finding
good spots without getting kicked out is hard enough
as is. Thanks to True for the opportunity and to my
man Tony for giving me my first board. -Cycle