This may be true, however it is also said that many people find graffiti an emotional outlet. Instead of joining gangs and perhaps hurting themselves or others many choose to paint graffiti instead. After speaking to a few local graffiti artists it is apparent that graffiti has calming affects for them and is found to be a great stress reliever. This stress and anger relief stops many feeling the need to hurt themselves or others. It has people reaching for a paint can and putting down their weapons.