"It is worth noting that the highest proportion of graffiti attacks (an extreme form of unofficial visual language) take place in schools, the institutions responsible for the maintenance of the official language and on local authority (state) property"

-David Crow Visible Signs

Funny how graffiti, a deviation from the "official language" (ie that used in university systems, or government offices, for example), was once completely dismissed as a form of valuable art.  Now, pieces of graffitied walls are torn off and sold, or boarded over in plexiglass to preserve specific works.  I'm wondering what this means for the value of "official" language; it seems like while the dichotomy between "official" and "unofficial" language systems (both linguistic and visual) is still present, that capital is now being awarded to individuals who have a high level of skill in nonofficial language systems (rappers, graffiti artists), while previously, capital was awarded more so based on an individual's command of the official language systems (represented through an award, like a diploma).  Will we ever see a merge of nonofficial language systems with the official as the internet generation reaches adulthood and begins holding positions of power?  I for one would like to see a future presidential debate in which candidates talk like lolcats while their responses are projected in text on the tv screen... "moar taxes?  ur a fukin fag!!! welfare for all ya'll bitches ftw!"