Houston’s iconic ‘Be Someone’ mural gets a makeover with graffiti advocating for cryptocurrency Mog Coin
Hold onto your wallets, folks, because Houston’s beloved “Be Someone” mural just got a cryptocurrency glow-up! The Union Pacific Railroad bridge above Interstate 45, which once proudly displayed words of inspiration, has been rebranded with a bold “Mog Coin” shoutout in large, yellow letters. Whether or not this digital currency has any connection to Houston is as mysterious as a magician’s coin trick. Yet again, this bridge has shown it’s always game for a statement makeover!
Houston’s beloved “Be Someone” mural, which has captured the hearts and minds of locals since 2012, has undergone another transformation. This time, the iconic graffiti adorning the Union Pacific Railroad bridge above Interstate 45 has been replaced by a bold message promoting the cryptocurrency Mog Coin. The shift from motivational musings to monetary machinations has left some residents scratching their heads. Let’s delve deeper into this artistic evolution and its implications on the community. The “Be Someone” graffiti mural above Interstate 45 has been a fixture in Houston’s cultural landscape for over a decade. Initially emerging in 2012, this simple yet powerful message has inspired countless passersby. However, the mural has also become a canvas for other expressions, undergoing numerous transformations over the years, ranging from anti-war slogans to mystical theories. Recently, this illustrious mural has once again been painted over, this time with the slogan “Mog Coin” in vibrant yellow block letters. Mog Coin is the latest addition to the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies. With its name now emblazoned on one of Houston’s most recognized bridges, the digital currency has captured public attention. However, the connection between Mog Coin and Houston remains a mystery, leaving spectators wondering if this act of graffiti is a strategic marketing move or an unauthorized expression by a passionate supporter. The history of the “Be Someone” mural is well-documented, with its transformations reflecting social and political climates over the years. Notable instances include the mural being altered to convey messages like “Woman, Life, Freedom” and “No War Know Peace”, crafted by graffiti artist Chandrika Metivie. Although Metivie faced legal actions for her alterations, the charges were ultimately dismissed, shedding light on the complex legality of such artistic expressions on private property. While graffiti has become a means of expression on the Union Pacific Bridge, it’s important to note the legal and safety ramifications. According to a spokesperson from Union Pacific, unauthorized personnel accessing the railway premises not only incur legal consequences but also put themselves and others in danger. The bridge’s ownership by Union Pacific complicates enforcement of local graffiti ordinances, adding another layer to the narrative. The transformation of the “Be Someone” mural into an advertisement for Mog Coin has sparked diverse reactions among Houstonians. Some view it as an appropriation of an uplifting symbol for commercial purposes, while others appreciate the modern twist and nod to the digital economy. Regardless of perspective, this iteration of the mural is a vivid illustration of how public art continues to provoke thought and conversation.The Transformation of an Iconic Mural
Cryptocurrency Takes Center Stage
A History of Change
Legal and Safety Considerations
Community Reactions and Cultural Impact
The Ever-Changing Face of Houston’s Iconic Mural
The “Be Someone” mural on Houston’s Union Pacific Bridge has long been a beacon of inspiration and communal expression. However, amid its vibrant history, the famous graffiti experienced yet another transformation, this time with Mog Coin, a cryptocurrency, taking the spotlight. The large, yellow block letters spelling “Mog Coin” may have obfuscated the original message, but they ensure that the mural remains a dynamic canvas reflecting shifts in cultural and societal trends.
While some may argue that the mural’s alteration compromises its motivational essence, others see it as an evolution of modern narratives. Ever since the mural debuted in 2012, it has undergone numerous changes, from calls for peace to cryptic “QAnon” references. And yet, each stroke of paint tells a contemporary story. The presence of Mog Coin is yet another chapter in this ongoing saga, highlighting a new wave in our digital-age consciousness.
The legality around these constant modifications remains as murky as ever. Though Union Pacific owns the railway, the graffiti falls into a gray area of jurisdiction. On one hand, there are calls to uphold artistic expression. However, on the other, these transformations are technically defacements of private property, leading to both applause and arrest. Notably, graffiti artist Chandrika Metivie faced felony charges for similar activities, only for the charges to be dropped soon after.
All things considered, the evolving mural stands as a testament to Houston’s spirited community—a community that refuses to remain silent. Regardless of its phase, the “Be Someone” mural is a conversation starter, inviting reflection upon societal issues, technological advancements, and even philosophical musings about life and freedom. As new coats of paint arrive to tell their tales, one thing is clear: this bridge remains a bridge not only for transport but for discourse, proving its mettle as a true cultural icon.
