Critical Reading Activity
What issue is the writer focusing on?
The writer in this article is focusing on the concept of graffiti and why it should not be considered a form of art or acceptable mode of expression.
Does the writer take a clear stand on this issue?
Yes he does. Under the heading Is It Art?, Richardson states: …there is no way the general run of graffiti can be designated ‘art.’” Additionally, he asserts that graffiti is not a political statement: “If the graffiti on our streets can be said to make any statement that could be described as ‘political,’ it is an unredeemably callow one – as might be expected from developing youth.”
What is the writer’s thesis (if there is one)?
The thesis of this article can be found within the abstract provided. Richardson states: “This paper locates graffiti conceptually within design, but finds that – even so – it cannot be justified.”
What is the writer’s purpose for writing?
Richardson’s purpose for writing this article is to persuade the audience that graffiti should be considered vandalism and not art, that there are better ways for young boys to express their creativity and that educational intervention in these boy’s lives is necessary to keep them from going down the path of delinquency.
Who is the audience for this writing?
I think the audience for this article is for policy-makers and the public at large who are affected by graffiti and for those who are in a position to change societal structures that will hinder graffiti from continuing or allow it to continue in the way it has.
What is the writer’s tone? Why do you think he/she writes with this tone?
The writer has an almost hostile tone towards those who participate in graffiti, and to the actual art form itself. The article is meant to warn policy makers about the repercussions of allowing graffiti to occur in society.
Does the writer seem to assume readers will agree with his/her position?
I think the writer assumes that after the reader has finished the article, he/she will agree with the him because he is attempting to persuade the readers to accept and understand his position.
What evidence does the writer use to support the essay’s thesis/central argument? Does the writer include enough evidence?
The author uses his own logic, reasoning and personal experience to support the essay’s thesis. The writer does not include enough evidence, rather he includes anecdotes and his own life experience to support his positions without referring to other evidence.
Does the writer consider, address and/or refute opposing arguments?
Yes, the writer addresses and refutes points posed by his opposition.
Do you understand the vocabulary? If not, look the words up.
The vocabulary was very understandable, but what I found interesting was the definition of art and vandalism will always be open to interpretation depending on who you ask, so there is no “real” or “right” definition of either word.
Do you understand the writer’s references/citations? If not, look them up.
Because the writer did not use references or citations, it is hard to understand what his evidence for his argument is. He, however, uses personal experience to justify his reasoning which is straightforward to understand, but not necessarily the most reliable information.
Do you agree with the points the writer makes? Why/why not?
I do not agree with the points the writer makes. I believe that graffiti is a beautiful form of art – whether it be a mural or a political activist who writes in chalk on the sidewalk.
What connections can you make between this article and others you have read?
In this article, the writer claims that graffiti is not art, but a form of vandalism. In a lot of other articles that have been written, many individuals claim that graffiti is not art, but an eye-sore that must be dealt with by those in charge.
