This piece appears in the book Cut It Out, written by an English graffiti artist named Banksy. "Banksy" is obviously the artist's pseudonym, most likely adopted because his method of expression is a tad unconventional. He expresses his views of the world through public defacement, photographs it, then adds accompanying comments once he's compiled his favorites. These favorites are published in works like Cut It Out, which specifically served to express Banksy's view that society as a whole does not pay enough attention to various humanitarian issues. Accompanying this photograph he writes:
“The human race is the most stupid and unfair kind of race. A lot of the runners don’t even get decent sneakers or clean drinking water. Some runners are born with a massive head start, every possible help along the way and still the referees seem to be on their side. It’s not surprising a lot of people have given up compeating altogether and gone to sit in the grandstand, eat junk and shout abuse.
What the human race needs is a lot more streakers.”
What the human race needs is a lot more streakers.”
His audience is any viewer on the street or reader of his books but for the majority of his pieces it is clear that his purpose is for the reader to take action against various inhumanitarian things occuring. This particular piece features a child as the subject which portrays innocence, helplessness, and vulnerability. It would be difficult to pass by this on the street without stopping to read the child's plea. By appealing to an audiences pathos, or emotions, I feel as though Banksy accomplished his purpose.
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