Graffiti Syndrome Seen in a Neighborhood Near You

In an Atlantic Monthly article in 1982, New York City sociologists created the term “Broken Window Syndrome". They realized that a single broken window pane in an industrial area, left untreated, quickly escalated into additional broken windows, graffiti, and increased vandalism. They realized that by fixing the broken window pane quickly, they prevented any such decline.

Much like the Broken Window Syndrome happens outside the home, Graffiti Syndrome occurs inside. Left unchecked you, or family members, may contribute to Graffiti Syndrome sending your home on a disastrous downward spiral to cluttersville.

The signs are obvious when studied by qualified messologists but to the novice may go completely undetected. It usually starts with a pair of shoes left out, then some mail piles up, add to that a laundry basket, workout gear, book, blanket, another pair of shoes, etc. The problem becomes exponentially worse with each contributing member of the family.

Be especially aware of the suitcase left out after a trip. You may recall the scene from Everyone Loves Raymond in which Ray Romano and Debra fought over who was going to put away the suitcase left out after Ray returned from his trip. Ray escalated the motivation for Debra to put it away by placing limburger cheese inside the suitcase. To Ray’s dismay, this did not work. This is a hilarious episode from the 7th season.

Even if a Ray doesn’t live in your house, you may be an offender yourself. Just as Graffiti Syndrome is the downward spiral of messiness, there is an upward track that you can jump aboard as well. When you come back from a trip, unpack right away and put items in their place.

Here is an easy acronym as a way to remember how to conquer Graffiti Syndrome no matter what stage it's in.

S - spread the word to household members that graffiti will not be tolerated.
M - move offending items, as you leave a room take something to put away.
A - act quickly, as though you’re swatting a mosquito buzzing your ear
C - consider using a taser or pepper spray on offenders
K - keep vigilant

This should help you SMACK some sense into you or others and keep Graffiti Syndrome from taking hold in your home. Remember SMACK!