Final answer:
An inscription or drawing made on public surfaces without formal permission is known as graffiti, which can be a form of art or considered vandalism, and is often used as a means of social or political activism.
Step-by-step explanation:
An inscription, slogan, drawing, or other mark that is scratched, scribbled, or crudely drawn on a wall or other public surface is known as graffiti. Despite having its roots in ancient practices, modern graffiti became especially prominent in Western countries during the 1960s.
It is often intended to make a statement and can be seen during political uprisings, where it expresses views and informs political movements. While it can communicate artistic and cultural messages, graffiti is frequently met with opposition, being considered vandalism or visual pollution by some.