Crimes of Style: Urban Graffiti and the Politics of Criminality

Crimes of Style is a 1993 book that examines the politics of culture and crime through an in-depth case study of graffiti in Denver and the official response to it. It explores the national and international development and reception of hip-hop graffiti, the reaction of Denver's corporate and political community, and the circumstances surrounding the growth of hip-hop graffiti as indicative of injustice and inequality within the United States.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1993, Crimes of Style delves into the intricate interplay between culture and crime through a comprehensive case study of graffiti in Denver. The book focuses on the most prevalent form of graffiti writing in the city, providing a deep exploration of the social and cultural factors that shape its creation. It delves into the national and international development of hip-hop graffiti, which served as the backdrop for the emergence of Denver's hip-hop graffiti scene. Moreover, the book examines the reaction of Denver's corporate and political community, highlighting their efforts to criminalize graffiti and their recognition of the interconnectedness of the graffiti scene and the response to it with broader cultural processes.

Most significantly, Crimes of Style argues that the circumstances surrounding the phenomenal growth of hip-hop graffiti and subsequent attempts to suppress it reflect injustice and inequality within the United States. The book offers a thought-provoking analysis of the power dynamics at play and sheds light on the complex relationship between culture, crime, and social change.

Through its detailed examination of graffiti in Denver, Crimes of Style provides a valuable insight into the complex dynamics of culture, crime, and society. It challenges readers to consider the role of art and expression in shaping public perception and the impact of cultural policies on marginalized communities. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of culture, politics, and social justice.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367750169