In his book, The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell describes the criminology Broken Windows theory which states that “crime is the inevitable result of disorder.” If one window is broken, it is more likely that other windows around it will be broken as it appears no one cares and no one is in charge. The Broken Windows theory applies to graffiti, trash on the ground, and other transgressions that seem minor but can quickly spiral into something bigger. Those who wish the behavior to stop need to be vigilant in tending to every single example to keep things under control.
On the other hand, some places welcome intentional defacing as part of decor or art. Restaurants can encourage people to write on the walls, some bridges encourage attaching locks to them, and campuses have rocks that are painted with regularity.
The New River Gorge National Park apparently adopted the latter philosophy with the guardrails on the old mining road that leads under the bridge. The rails were covered with stickers, sharing the personality, causes, and geography of those who traveled below. While it distracted from the natural beauty and the engineering marvel of the bridge, it did make for entertaining reading along the route.
Either extreme has its place, but the middle is just an invitation for trouble. This is one of the times when you’re all in and let people go crazy or you’re intense about keeping the intrusions out. Pick your side and stick with it.
