To correspond with the graffiti essays, I thought it would be fun to look at actual graffiti and discuss what it means to us, as well as how others might perceive it, to show that rhetoric and argument encompass far more than just academic writing. In the comment section below, post a link to a picture of graffiti you find particularly interesting (for whatever reason, positive or negative) and write a short paragraph about why you chose it, what you believe the person who made it was trying to communicate and how others may interpret it differently. If you would rather post a different take on a particular piece of graffiti that another student posted, you can do that instead (just make sure that it is a thorough analysis and repost the link in your response).
I'll get us started...
I particularly liked this graffiti and its play on words. A homeless man with a sign featuring the word "change" is fairly common, but this puts a spin on it, suggesting that circumstances changing is what is really needed, not money. The graffiti then becomes a political statement. There is also plenty of room for individual interpretation, as the specific type of change that is needed is not mentioned. Although I see it as a clever means of expression, some—possibly the homeless themselves—might take offense to the idea that overall change is what matters, not the individual's current needs.
