Final answer:
Graffiti is controversial due to its dual nature as expressive art and potential vandalism, with roles in activism and cultural expression balanced against its perception as a crime and public nuisance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Graffiti is a subject that stirs a great deal of controversy due to its complex nature as both an art form and a potential act of vandalism. The practice has ancient roots and has evolved into a symbol of cultural expression and political upheaval.
On the one hand, graffiti is lauded for its communicative and artistic qualities, serving as a form of resistance and 'smart vandalism' that raises awareness on social and political issues.
Some street artists strategically infuse socially relevant content with aesthetic appeal to draw attention to causes, as seen in urban art movements across the Western world since the 1960s. Banksy's work, for example, exemplifies the unexpected moments of visual expression that take us out of our daily lives and provoke thought.
However, graffiti is often perceived negatively as visual pollution and a criminal activity, marked by its contentious presence during political protests and its use by gangs to demarcate territory, as evidenced by symbols and tags in cities like East Los Angeles.
The art world frequently debates these issues, as major publications and critics contribute to establishing societal values by discussing the merits and boundaries of graffiti as a public art form. Thus, the tension between seeing graffiti as a powerful tool for expression and as an unwelcome defacement of public property makes it a polarizing topic in contemporary culture.