LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
National Level Case Study
Submitted to Professor Derik Idol,
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
YOUT 220:001
Global Youth Culture
by
Cody Anderson
February 28, 2022
Introduction
Every culture has influences, cultural norms, expectations, and expressions that are
demonstrated by that group of people. The youth of Santa Fe deal with a lot of issues, and need
an outlet for their feelings. These kids have a culture of graffiti that needs to be tapped into in a
positive way.
Local Youth Culture in Santa Fe
The influences in the youth culture in Santa Fe are art and the desire for individuals
works to be seen. This leads to graffiti, “on trains, on walls, in places,” where youth want their
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names and image to be seen and admired. The youth feels value when people appreciate their
work.
The cultural norms are in Santa Fe include graffiti, appreciation, and respect. Graffiti is a
common art form in Santa Fe that much of the youth partakes in. “‘Part of the respect is you
don’t get painted over,’ Simpson says.” Even in the graffiti, respect can still be shown. If your
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work is good, explains Simpson in the article, then it does not get painted over. Other artists
admire the work.
The expectations of youth in Santa Fe are that they are in a poor community that leads to
things like drug abuse and violence. However, that is what they are trying to change with the
legal graffiti wall. “Young people are so lost and so unseen and so uncared for and so
unnourished and so unnurtured that they turn to drugs and alcohol, domestic violence,” says
Simpson.1 The youth in Santa Fe need more love and less pressure and negativity from the rest of
the community. Until expectations are changed, it is hard to expect the youth to improve.
1 Miller, Elizabeth. 2015. “Speak My Language.” Santa Fe Reporter. October 27, 2015.
https://www.sfreporter.com/arts/2015/10/27/speak-my-language/.
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The expressions of youth here are ones that explain the emotional baggage that they deal
with, and forms a very tight community. These feelings are expressed in the form of graffiti. “A
lot of young people are drawn to underground youth cultures, looking for an attachment to
culture, because that’s what’s been taken away from us, so we build new tribes,” explains
Simpson.2
Strategies for Relational Connects with Youth in Santa Fe
The most effective strategies for making significant relational connections with youth in
the Fort Mercy Park community are (Strategy 1, Strategy 2, possibly Strategy 3). Then write a
few sentences describing why and how you will do each one.
One effective strategies for making significant relations to the youth would be to open up
more legal graffiti walls. These walls, kept under control, are and amazing way to make the
youth feel involved and valued in the community. These walls could have a few ground rules and
regulations to make sure they don’t get out of hand. They can look up to the wall and see their
work and it can be appreciated by those in the community.
Another way to reach the youth is to have classes where the youth could improve their art
skills. This would also encourage the youth to express their feelings in positive ways. “I see you.
I care about you, and I want to hear what you have to say; you’re a part of my community, and
you’re valued in my community.” Classes for the youth is a way to express this notion to them.
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A third way to reach the youth would be to open a part of the local museum to display
some of the best graffiti. This would give an amazing opportunity for the youth’s work to be
2 Miller, Elizabeth. 2015. “Speak My Language.” Santa Fe Reporter. October 27, 2015.
https://www.sfreporter.com/arts/2015/10/27/speak-my-language/.
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admired. “See how big I am and how colorful I am and how beautiful I am. I am someone.”
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Having a museum would allow the youth to feel valued and give them a positive purpose.
Conclusion
Looking at the condition of the youth in Santa Fe, there is a great need for building
relationships with these students. The best way to do is through legal graffiti walls and open a
museum to display the best of work. The youth in Santa Fe needs to feel valued. These programs
are a great way to accomplish this important goal.
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Bibliography
Miller, Elizabeth. 2015. “Speak My Language.” Santa Fe Reporter. October 27, 2015.
https://www.sfreporter.com/arts/2015/10/27/speak-my-language/.
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