Borf is Dead - or is He?

If you're like me and walk around DC or ride the Metro, you've experienced the graffiti art of BORF. We know that "Bush hates Borf" and that "Borf is good for your liver" but who is Borf and what does he stand for? Bloggers have long speculated on his identity and his motives. That speculation has now come to an end.

Last week, the artist who created Borf was arrested. According to a report from the Washington Post, the creator of Borf is an 18 year old art student named John Tsombikos and the character is based on a childhood friend who recently committed suicide. According to the article, the inventor of Borf didn't want his identity revealed and became "an earnest though sometimes muddled mix of progressive politics filtered through a lens of youthful optimism."

What's interesting about Borf is the cultural phenomenon that an aspiring 18 year-old invented. From stickers on city trash cans to graffiti art on public buildings, Borf has become a cultural icon and a brand that everyone recognizes. With very little money and a large imagination, one of the most fascinating characters to come along in some time has captured the imaginations of people from DC to Greece.

Throughout class we've discussed how candidates and causes are marketed and positioned and how elections can be won or lost depending on grass-roots tactics from door-to-door visits to instant messaging and blogging. What's fascinating about Borf is that this 18 year-old took a very similar approach and created a solid, enduring message.

Although the Borf creator owes thousands of dollars in fines, this young man knows character development and grass roots marketing. He will be an interesting person to watch - providing he doesn't spend too much time behind bars.