Broken Windows, Graffiti, and Collective Efficacy in a Neighborhood Context.

In chapter 6, Sampson talks about this idea of “Broken Windows”, the term broken windows can be taken both literally and figuratively. It is essentially referring to a neighborhood or community that is “broken” or in disarray. Also, the idea of “broken windows” is associated with chaos, violence, and disorder, both socially and structurally. Socially Sampson describes it as, “…commonly understood to mean public behavior that is considered threatening, like verbal harassment, open solicitation for prostitution, public intoxication, and rowdy groups of young males on the streets” (Sampson p. 121). Structural disorder refers to the actual neighborhood itself. Typically, the neighborhood will look as if it is uninhabited or possibly like a “ghost town”. Sampson describes structural disorder as, “typically refer to graffiti on buildings, abandoned cars, garbage in the streets, and the proverbial broken window” (Sampson p. 121).

                           

Sampson discusses this idea that a physical attribute to disorder is graffiti on run down buildings or cars. Is it the graffiti itself that is a physical marker for disorder? Or is it our perceived notion that graffiti automatically means run down and disordered. Also, could it be that it isn’t the graffiti itself that makes something look run down, but the actual position as to where the graffiti is displayed, maybe the only reason that graffiti is a physical marker for disorder is because of where graffiti is typically located.  With that, would a piece of graffiti that’s tagged on the side of a building still be a sign for disorder if that same piece of art was being displayed in an art gallery? Most likely the answer would still be yes, in America I don't feel we actually look at the actual images themselves. I feel that we already have such a pre-deceived of viewing graffiti has a sign or disorder, that is doesn't not matter where or what the graffiti is. It was also stated in class that once one window is broken, then more people will join in and break more windows. This will inevitably cause a chain reaction that leads a neighborhood down a path that is completely irreversible. However,  one thing that I would like to point out is the fact that graffiti is not always associated as being negative like it is for the most part in America. The picture above shows graffiti on a broken window, this image supports our pre-deceived notion of graffiti and disorder. But, the picture below represents a completely different side to how graffiti can actually be viewed. This depiction of graffiti is viewed in another country as an actual work of art, the artist was given permission to create this. As people walk by this daily they don't see it as a sign that the neighborhood is broken, they simply see it for what it is, art. This example just illustrates my point that the way people view something can change, and the idea they have about a given topic doesn't have to remain negative. 

                         

Another idea that Sampson brings up in relation to broken windows is collective efficacy. Sampson defines collective efficacy as, “the linkage of cohesion and mutual trust among residents with shared expectations for intervening in support of neighborhood social control” (Sampson p. 127). Although, these two ideas are very different from each other they can play an important role on one another. Broken windows is when a neighborhood is in a state of disorder, with violence and chaos present. Collective efficacy can combat this because the coming together of people in a neighborhood towards a common goal can deter or eliminate violence and disorder all together. An example that comes to mind that brings broken windows and collective efficacy together is the popular show “The walking dead”. When the main group gets the Alexandria, the entire world could be classified as “broken window” because there is violence, disorder, and chaos everywhere. But, this group of individuals comes together with another group in hopes of creating neighborhood social control within this chaotic world. Yes, this example may be a little far fetched, but I feel the aspects of “broken windows” and “collective efficacy” are present. Also, their present in a way that makes it easy to understand and grasp the actual meaning of each. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7NHqzNg2qE

https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16096-graffiti-and-litter-lead-to-more-street-crime/