In 1972 graffiti in the subways of New York became a political issue . A year earlier, the appearance of the mysterious message ' Taki 183 ' had increased the curiosity of both the New York New York Times sent one of its reporters to determine its meaning . Variety of public officials , including mayor John V. Lindsay, developed public policies oriented phenomenon. The local newspapers and magazines apparently helped shape these measures.

" Getting up " is the term used by graffiti artists to achieve their personal stamp on leaving the metro . Through spontaneous interviews Castleman documents the lives and activities of these young street artists , through their jargon and mythology. In a more descriptive than analytical approach , let the " writers" speak for themselves , resulting in a concise and descriptive history of suburban culture , but also the elastic society that created it. Beyond the debate raised by this controversial form of expression , when one finishes reading Getting Up admires the ingenuity of young writers.