Houston's Iconic 'Be Someone' Graffiti Defaced Again

HOUSTON — It's not the first time and it likely won't be the last, but someone has defaced Houston's iconic 'Be Someone' graffiti art once again. If you've ever traversed downtown on I-45 from the north side, you're probably familiar with the 'Be Someone' message that has become a local icon. Over the years, this piece of graffiti has sparked numerous discussions, leading to a petition in 2018 with over 16,000 signatures to have it recognized as a city landmark. Originally appearing in 2012, the graffiti was designed to inspire commuters as they pass beneath it. Despite its positive influence, the artwork has been repeatedly defaced over the years. The latest alteration involves someone changing the message to read 'MOSCOIN.' While the meaning is ambiguous, it may be linked to a cryptocurrency platform, considering the rising popularity of cryptocurrencies. Unfortunately, details on who vandalized the art or when it might be restored remain unknown. The 'Be Someone' artwork has become a symbol of local pride, and many Houstonians express frustration and disappointment whenever it is tampered with. Artificial intelligence has analyzed and reviewed this news. From an analytical perspective, repeated acts of defacement could trigger important discussions about urban art, community values, and the balancing act between preserving cultural sites and accommodating public expression. Commentary on this issue also hints at broader questions regarding the permanence of urban art and the thin line between civilian modifications and outright vandalism. While the intention behind the original 'Be Someone' message remains laudable, its repeated defacement underscores a struggle for control over public narratives, even within the context of street art.