Products: Books

Products: Books

Graffiti in Tahiti (Order Now)

The children's book, Graffiti in Tahiti, is Anomic Solutions' initial book offering, it is the first and, so far, the only children's book focusing on graffiti vandalism.

In 1996, New York City's aggressive disorder campaign which focused on graffiti, public drinking and other minor offenses was directly correlated to a 27% decrease in murder arrests for juveniles between the ages of 15 and 19, an 85% decrease in the number of persons buying and selling drugs and a 79% increase in the number of people involved in positive, community-oriented activities (Commonwealth Fund, 1998).

Targeting grades 1- 4, Graffiti in Tahiti attempts to reach children before peer pressure to produce graffiti occurs. Research at Philadelphia schools revealed that as children progress in age and grade level, their tolerance and support of graffiti increases (PhilaPride, 1997). Graffiti in Tahiti encourages children of all ages to become part of the solution by participating in community service.

Nationally recognized figures in law enforcement and juvenile delinquency have already given the book high praise through the following endorsements:

“We are delighted with this wonderful educational resource which will complement the work of Keep America Beautiful’s, Graffiti Hurts, graffiti prevention program. It will greatly enhance the efforts of our 540 community affiliates nationwide to deal with all aspects of graffiti blight. Vicki Wilson-Merritt’s background in the graffiti subculture uniquely qualifies her to address this important issue which she does in an entertaining and non-confrontational way that will captivate her young readers.”

G. Raymond Empson, President, Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

"I have seen time and time again how the presence of graffiti can lead to deterioration and increased crime in our neighborhoods. Reaching young people early is a critical factor in reducing graffiti's blight. Victoria Wilson-Merritt has written about this very important issue in such a way that will captivate, entertain, and educate our young people. I recommend that every child and former child read this insightful book!"

Chief William Bratton, Los Angeles Police Department

"Finally, someone's bridged the gap between the kids who have already been drawn into the destructive cycle of graffiti vandalism and those who have not. Concerned parents often ask what type of programs or information is available for younger children. Until Vicki's book there was no real answer. Well written and informative, and from the foremost researcher on the graffiti subculture, this book talks to kids in a language they can relate to yet respects their individuality."

Lieutenant Steve Mona, NYPD Vandal Squad

"As a classroom teacher I look for children's literature that will teach valuable lessons. Graffiti in Tahiti has filled the need for materials to support this important and overlooked topic. The book presents its contents in a unique, captivating, and colorful manner which appeals to children, and guides them to understand the negative effects of graffiti on our environment."

Christina Maffia, NBCT

"Victoria Wilson-Merritt has long been an asset to educators and juvenile justice policy makers. Her understanding of the graffiti subculture has been an enormous help in shaping graffiti prevention policy. If we do not teach our children the values we want them to embrace, they will make up their own, and, in all likelihood, we will not like the results. Graffiti in Tahiti is an excellent and entertaining lesson. It teaches the cost of quality of life crimes, the role and responsibility we each have in supporting positive community values, and the benefits we receive, when those values are upheld."

Robert N. Hills, Executive Director, National Council to Prevent Delinquency

Graffiti vandalism was the first topic selected by the company because it is often a "gateway crime" that leads children into more advanced criminal activity, even on into adulthood. When graffiti is not readily cleaned up, it serves notice that a community is ripe for other, more serious forms of crime. Furthermore, Graffiti In Tahiti author, Victoria Wilson-Merritt is internationally recognized as one of the world's foremost experts in Hip Hop and Graffiti subcultures (See the "About Us" section on this Website). Additionally, graffiti has a profound, negative economic impact on communities:

Graffiti abatement in the United States is estimated to cost $12 billion in tax money annually and this number does not reflect personal and private costs (Deborah Lamm Weisel, “Graffiti,” U.S. Dept of Justice Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series No. 9, 2002)
Local municipalities spend more than $100 for every household in the country on graffiti abatement and prevention (NGIN, 1996)
One in four schools is subject to vandalism monthly (NCPC, 1997).
The cost of school vandalism is estimated to be $600-750 million yearly (National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, 1997).
Graffiti is growing at an alarming rate-youth participation is reportedly increasing at a rate of 15% annually.
Graffiti although still perceived to be an urban problem has expanded to include suburban and rural youth. 55% of the youths creating graffiti are in suburban and rural areas.
Thriving street drug markets operations are dependent on neighborhoods with poorly maintained yards, abandoned cars, overgrown lots, poor street lighting and graffiti. (The Winnable War, Roger Conner).

Be a part of the solution, order Graffiti in Tahiti today!