Death of Young Graffiti Artist

I just finished reading “Graffiti Marks the Passing of a ‘Restless and Bored’ Teen-ager” (Jan. 2) and would like to express, belatedly, my sympathy over the premature passing of Timothy Sanders. However, I would like to also comment on two other subjects from the same article.

On the subject of graffiti, it may be true that the young man was a talented artist, as a number of his friends mentioned, but a great number of people in our society feel that not only are public structures and natural formations inappropriate media for artistic expression but that they also are sufficiently inappropriate as to be protected by law.

It may be that I just don’t understand the “art” or the “artist,” but I see no art when I view the picture “Corruption,” included with this article. I have seen some examples of graffiti that were less offensive to me than others, but they’re still all vandalism to me.

On the subject of boredom, I have a few suggestions of activities. Kids might try:

To study for their classes at school, to visit their school or public library, to join the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts (if you’re too old, try an Explorer’s post. Schools often sponsor other clubs), to join an after-school sports team (schools have teams for those who may be unable to make the varsity, and most communities have extensive youth sports programs), to go for a walk or a bike ride.

Also, to visit a park, beach, or nature center; to listen to records and tapes of their favorite music with friends; to develop a hobby; to learn to dance; to learn a martial art, or to help others and help “brighten” the day of someone who, because of their poor physical condition, is suffering the real boredom of being a “shut-in”.

These are only a few ideas, most of which cost little more than time and would be found relatively close to home. Is the problem a lack of activities or that the kids choose inactivity?

J. JEFFREY MILLER

Orange