Although many city officials took a dim view of the graffiti "epidemic" of the 1970s, other took a more positive view, feeling that
◦ graffiti artists were contributing to tourism in their cities.
◦ graffiti artists would all soon be arrested so their was little to worry about.
◦ the graffiti was a manifestation of the genius of previously unrecognized individuals.
◦ the graffiti would wash off soon.