The seat back in front of me on the train the other day was covered in gang graffiti. Cryptic symbols and letters, some of which were backwards, some upside down…

photo credit: srboisvert

It looked more like some ancient variation of cuneiform which was forgotten long ago, than English. But then again, it’s supposed to look like that to me… I’m old. It wasn’t written for me. I’m not the target demographic.

Which got me to thinking. Graffiti isn’t vandalism… It’s marketing.

Essentially the gangs are attempting to achieve brand recognition in a targeted market demographic via strong visual imagery and short memorable tag lines. The problem is whoever heads up their marketing department really sucks at it!

Granted it’s not like gang members can hand out branded promotional pens and mouse pads, but what about branded drug baggies and syringes? Or better yet… An affiliate program. For every new gang member you recruit you get a cut of their profit from all theft and drug sales for life? Really the possibilities are virtually endless…

photo credit: sunblock

So Chicago street gang leaders if you are really focused on brand awareness and expansion of your market… Give me a call. Together we can implement fundamental changes to your core marketing program and bring about some real improvement to your overall market share… Oh wait… Sorry, let me translate that for you…

“Damn homey together we’s can recruit a whole lot o’ new gang members fo’ sho’, an’ make uh ton o’ money from slangin’ rock an’ rollin’ ho’s and shit… Peace Beeeeotch!”

One thing though… Pull your fuckin’ pants up douchebag!

I’m just sayin’…