CWL 161

3/20/2024

Things I Know to be True and Reading the World Text - Banksy and UN

WOMEN

Banksy's "Slave Labor"

Understanding the Argument: Q 1-4

1. What facts can you discern about the child from examining the image? Is it possible to

speculate about the child’s race, nationality, age, or any other factor that could help

audiences identify him?

From examining the image of the child in Banksy's mural "Slave Labour," several facts can be

discerned. Firstly, the child appears to be young, likely in their preteen years, given their size and

the context of them working at a sewing machine. The child's race and nationality are not

explicitly depicted in the image, but one could speculate that the child's nationality is British,

considering the use of Union Jack flags in the mural, which are associated with the United

Kingdom. However, the child's race is not discernible from the image alone. The child's age and

the setting of the mural suggest exploitation and child labor, highlighting broader

socio-economic issues rather than specific individual characteristics.

2. Why does the mural use real flags? Why did the artist not paint them himself?

The mural uses real flags as part of its composition to enhance its message and impact. By

incorporating actual Union Jack flags into the artwork, Banksy adds a layer of symbolism and

irony. The use of real flags serves to emphasize the juxtaposition between the patriotic symbols

and the grim reality of sweatshop labor depicted in the mural. Additionally, using real flags adds

authenticity to the piece and strengthens its visual impact. Banksy's choice to use real flags
instead of painting them himself could also be seen as a commentary on the commodification of

patriotism and national identity.

3. What does the placement of the mural on the side of a discount store suggest? (The chain

store where the mural was painted, Poundland, sells nearly all of its items for one pound,

much like the Dollar Tree and similar chains in the United States.)

The placement of the mural on the side of a discount store, specifically Poundland, suggests a

deliberate critique of consumerism and exploitation within capitalist systems. Poundland, much

like Dollar Tree and similar chains in the United States, is known for its low-cost items and

discount pricing strategy. By juxtaposing the depiction of child labor with the facade of a

discount store, Banksy highlights the exploitation and inequality that often underpin consumerist

societies. The location of the mural adds layers of meaning, emphasizing the socioeconomic

disparities inherent in such environments.

4. Does the subsequent treatment of the painting as a valuable work of art change its

message in any way? Does changing the work’s context change the way that you interpret

it? How does the story behind a work of art affect the way that you understand it?

The subsequent treatment of the painting as a valuable work of art does change its message to

some extent. By being dismantled and sold for a significant sum of money in a London auction

house, "Slave Labour" becomes part of the art market and loses its original context as a street

mural. Its transformation into a valuable commodity can be seen as ironic, given its critique of

capitalism and exploitation. However, the story behind the artwork and its journey from a public

space to a private collection adds another layer of complexity to its interpretation. The

commodification of "Slave Labour" underscores the very issues Banksy sought to address in the

mural, albeit in an unexpected and somewhat contradictory manner. The story behind the artwork
and its subsequent treatment in the art market inevitably affect the way it is understood,

highlighting the intersection of art, commerce, and social commentary.

Making Connections: Q 1 and 2

1. Compare the circumstances in which Slave Labour was created to those of other broadly

defined protest art, such as the Last Lockdown sculpture (p. 526) and the UN Women’s

ad campaign (p. 520). Is it important the original work was created by an illegal act of

vandalism?

Comparing the circumstances of "Slave Labour" with other protest art pieces like "The Last

Lockdown" sculpture and the UN Women's ad campaign reveals nuanced differences in their

creation and impact. While all three artworks aim to address societal issues and provoke thought

and action, the context of their creation varies significantly. "Slave Labour" by Banksy originated

as an illegal act of vandalism, adding an element of subversion and defiance to its message.

Banksy's anonymity and use of unauthorized public spaces underscore the urgency and

immediacy of his commentary on social and political issues. On the other hand, "The Last

Lockdown" sculpture and the UN Women's ad campaign were both conceived within legal

frameworks, albeit with a similar intent to raise awareness and spur action. The Last Lockdown

sculpture, created by advertising executives and an artist directly affected by gun violence,

utilizes a powerful visual metaphor to confront the reality of gun violence in schools, while the

UN Women's ad campaign employs imagery and messaging to challenge gender stereotypes and

advocate for gender equality. While the legality of the original work's creation may affect its

reception and interpretation to some extent, the core message and impact of protest art transcend

the legality of its production. The illegality of "Slave Labour" adds a layer of rebelliousness and
authenticity to its critique, but ultimately, what matters most is the effectiveness of the artwork in

stimulating dialogue, raising awareness, and inspiring change.

2. Compare the way that a child’s suffering is treated in Slave Labour with the way it is

treated in Need (p. 469) and Migrant Mother (p. 416). What different aspects of each

child’s experience do these images treat?

In comparing the treatment of a child's suffering in "Slave Labour" with "Need" and "Migrant

Mother," distinct aspects of each child's experience emerge. "Slave Labour" portrays a child

subjected to exploitative labor, highlighting the systemic issue of child exploitation and the grim

reality faced by many children in disadvantaged communities. The image confronts viewers with

the harshness of child labor and the societal indifference towards the plight of vulnerable

children. In contrast, "Need" depicts a child in a state of hunger, emphasizing the issue of

poverty and food insecurity. The image captures the desperation and vulnerability of a child

deprived of basic necessities, urging viewers to confront the stark inequalities within society.

Similarly, "Migrant Mother" portrays a mother and her children facing the hardships of poverty

during the Great Depression. While the focus is on the mother, the presence of her children

underscores the generational impact of poverty and economic hardship. Each image presents a

different facet of the child's experience within the broader context of social injustice, shedding

light on the various forms of adversity faced by children in different circumstances.

Writing about the Argument: Q 1 and 3 (for #3 you may Google this image).

1. Analyze the argument that Banksy makes in Slave Labour. Explain how different aspects

of the mural—including color, composition, and circumstances of creation—contribute to

this overall argument.

In "Slave Labour," Banksy makes a powerful argument against the exploitation of children in

sweatshop labor, particularly in the context of major events like the London Olympics. The

mural's composition, color palette, and circumstances of creation all contribute to this

overarching message. Firstly, the composition of the mural centers around the depiction of a

young child laborer operating a sewing machine to produce Union Jack flags, highlighting the

juxtaposition between national pride and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The use of

black-and-white imagery with the vibrant colors of the flags creates a stark contrast, emphasizing

the grim reality hidden beneath patriotic symbols. This color scheme serves to draw attention to

the harsh conditions faced by child laborers while underscoring the societal indifference towards

their plight. Additionally, the circumstances of creation, namely Banksy's unauthorized use of

public space and the subsequent removal of the mural for commercial gain, further reinforce the

mural's message. By subverting traditional modes of artistic expression and challenging societal

norms, Banksy confronts viewers with uncomfortable truths about exploitation and inequality in

contemporary society. Overall, "Slave Labour" serves as a poignant critique of consumerism,

nationalism, and the systemic exploitation of vulnerable populations, utilizing its visual elements

and creation process to evoke a powerful emotional response and provoke meaningful dialogue.

2. When Banksy visited New York City in 2013 and began to paint street art, New York

City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the following: “You running up to somebody’s

property or public property and defacing it is not my definition of art. . . . Or it may be

art, but it should not be permitted. And I think that’s exactly what the law says.”

Disagreeing with Mayor Bloomberg's assessment of Banksy's work as mere vandalism is a

common perspective among art enthusiasts and cultural critics. Banksy's art transcends
conventional definitions of art and challenges established norms and power structures. While his

work may involve illegal acts such as graffiti, it serves a larger purpose of social commentary

and critique. Banksy's street art often addresses pressing social and political issues, sparking

public discourse and raising awareness about topics such as capitalism, government surveillance,

and social injustice. Furthermore, Banksy's anonymity and use of public space as a canvas

contribute to the subversive nature of his art, challenging notions of ownership and the

commodification of art. While Banksy's methods may defy traditional artistic conventions, they

align with the broader tradition of protest art and contribute to the rich tapestry of cultural

expression. Therefore, labeling Banksy's work as mere vandalism overlooks its deeper

significance and undermines its potential to effect meaningful social change.

UN WOMEN\

Understanding the Argument: Q 1-5

1. What is suggested by the placement of autocorrect results over the women’s mouths?

How does this placement complement the text itself?

The placement of autocorrect results over the women's mouths suggests a silencing or censorship

of their voices, reflecting the pervasive societal attitudes and stereotypes that undermine

women's rights and equality. By covering their mouths with the autocomplete results, the ad

highlights the ways in which women are often marginalized and denied a voice in discussions

about their own rights and experiences. This placement complements the text itself by visually
reinforcing the message that gender inequality persists and that women's voices are often

suppressed or ignored.

2. What are the most noticeable characteristics of the women chosen for the ad? What is the

collective impact of the four women? Do the four pictures together create an impression

beyond that of any one of them?

The most noticeable characteristics of the women chosen for the ad are their diverse ethnicities,

ages, and expressions. Each woman represents a different demographic group, emphasizing the

universality of the issues highlighted in the autocomplete results. Together, the four women

create a collective impact that underscores the widespread nature of gender inequality and

discrimination. The images together create an impression beyond that of any one of them by

illustrating the intersectional nature of gender-based discrimination and the need for a

comprehensive approach to addressing these issues.

3. What is the rhetorical effect of the small text above each search explaining that the text

contains the language of actual Google searches?

The small text above each search explaining that the text contains the language of actual Google

searches serves to authenticate the autocomplete results and emphasize their real-world

relevance. This rhetorical strategy reinforces the authenticity of the campaign's message and

underscores the pervasive nature of the attitudes and beliefs reflected in the searches. By

acknowledging the source of the autocomplete results, the ad encourages viewers to confront the

uncomfortable truths about gender inequality and encourages them to take action.

4. What kind of narrative is created by the juxtaposition of the image and the text? What

parts of the narrative have to be filled in by the viewer?

The juxtaposition of the image and the text creates a narrative that highlights the disparity

between societal perceptions and the reality of women's lives. The images of women, juxtaposed

with the autocomplete results, convey a powerful message about the disconnect between public

discourse and lived experiences. Viewers are prompted to fill in the gaps of the narrative by

considering the implications of the autocomplete results and reflecting on the ways in which

gender inequality manifests in everyday life.

5. What is the overall claim made by “The Autocomplete Truth” ads? What support is

offered for these claims? What opinion or action do the ads suggest?"

The overall claim made by "The Autocomplete Truth" ads is that gender inequality persists

despite progress in women's rights advocacy. The support for this claim lies in the autocomplete

results themselves, which reflect widespread stereotypes, biases, and misconceptions about

women. The ads suggest that societal attitudes and beliefs are barriers to achieving gender

equality and call for greater awareness, education, and advocacy to address these issues.

Ultimately, the ads urge viewers to recognize the urgent need for action to dismantle the systemic

barriers that perpetuate gender inequality.

Making Connections: Q 1

1. How does the silence suggested by these ads relate to the silence that Audre Lorde

describes in “The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action”? Do these

images suggest ways to transform silence into positive action?

The silence suggested by "The Autocomplete Truth" ads resonates with the silence that Audre

Lorde describes in "The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action." Lorde speaks

about the silence that often accompanies societal oppression and marginalization, highlighting

how fear and internalized oppression can inhibit individuals from speaking out against injustice.
Similarly, the placement of autocorrect results over the women's mouths in the ads symbolizes

the silencing effect of gender inequality and discrimination.

However, both Lorde's essay and the ads suggest ways to transform silence into positive action.

Lorde emphasizes the importance of breaking the cycle of silence by speaking out and sharing

one's truth, even in the face of fear and discomfort. She argues that silence perpetuates

oppression, while speaking out can lead to empowerment and change. Similarly, "The

Autocomplete Truth" ads challenge the silence surrounding gender inequality by confronting

viewers with the harsh realities reflected in the autocomplete results. By shedding light on the

pervasive nature of gender-based stereotypes and discrimination, the ads encourage viewers to

break the silence and take action to address these issues.

In this way, both Lorde's essay and the ads suggest that transforming silence into language and

action is essential for creating positive change. By amplifying marginalized voices, challenging

societal norms, and fostering dialogue and advocacy, individuals can work towards dismantling

systems of oppression and building a more equitable society. The ads serve as a catalyst for

conversations about gender inequality and inspire viewers to speak out and take concrete steps

towards gender equality and empowerment.

Writing about the Argument: Q 1

1. List and discuss the various identities that define you and your role in society. Consider

gender, ethnic, religious, geographical, occupational, and other groups to which you
 formally or informally belong. Explain how these identities intersect to produce your

unique understanding of the world.

The identities that define me and my role in society are diverse and interesting. As a Mexican

American woman, I navigate the complexities of gender and ethnic identity, often facing

expectations and limitations based on my family’s cultural norms and societal stereotypes. Being

the eldest daughter in my household adds another layer of responsibility and expectation, as I am

often tasked with caretaking and fulfilling traditional gender roles. However, these expectations

may also intersect with my sense of independence, as I am expected to take on more

responsibilities while simultaneously being denied certain freedoms and opportunities afforded

to my male counterparts like my brother. Additionally, my identity as a member of the LGBTQ+

community, specifically as bisexual or aromantic, adds another dimension to my experience, as I

grapple with societal expectations and norms surrounding sexuality and expression. These

intersecting identities shape my unique understanding of the world, informing my perspective on

issues of gender, culture, and identity, and influencing how I navigate societal norms and

expectations.