Charity Gore
English 1050
Spring 2013
Essay Two
In working for a large corporation, motivating an employee is extremely important in
determining the success of an initiative, a project, or even the company. With this being the case,
it is critical to understand someone’s point of view and how that can change their way of
thinking. A person’s perception is not necessarily reality; however, a person’s perception is
THEIR reality. It is also extremely important to understand this concept when reviewing any
type of information being presented or when presenting information to others especially when
trying to present an idea or an opinion. It is also important to understand that the person
reviewing the information can also change the meaning depending on their understanding. If the
observer does not fully understand a concept, it can change what was intended by the person
presenting the information and because of this, it is important that the person presenting the
information takes this into account as this will determine the best way to communicate their
point of view. This is also extremely important to consider where art is concerned. A person’s
point of view, both the observer and the artist, can change the entire meaning of a piece of art
and both parties need to take this into account. It is important to keep many pieces of information
in mind when reviewing or presenting an idea or opinion in both writings and art; including, who
presents the information, what kind of idea is being argued and the author or artists intent, and
the perception of the person reviewing the work.
An artist or writer’s point of view is one of the most critical pieces that needs to be
examined when reading or reviewing a person’s work. It is important to understand that the
person will rarely present both sides of an idea or a story, especially if they are extremely
passionate about the idea that they are presenting. The perfect example of this is the British
graffiti artist called Banksy. Although little is known about Banksy, it is clear that he has strong
opinions about the government’s stance and presence in England. It is obvious what his opinions
are about the government when, in one of his pieces, Banksy “portrays a museum guard keeping
an eye on graffiti- in this case, a painting of an art frame surrounding the scrawled words,
“Smash the System” (Banksy 310). Banksy’s personal background will obviously have a huge
merit in what his perception is about the government. If he grew up feeling that the government
failed him he may be “an anarchist environmentalist” (Banksy 310) as the essay indicates is a
possibility. What is currently taking place in Banksy’s life can alter his perception of the world
he lives in which would be one reason he “uses his art to make bold- sometimes outrageousstatements on local politics, social conditions, and even on other art forms” (Banksy 310).
Although it may be unlikely, Banksy’s motivation may revolve entirely around influences other
than politics. Other motivations may include money, fame, acknowledgment, pride, or
symbolism. A person’s motivation can easily change what information they give which is why it
is critical to examine their point of view as this will give a good idea of what type of information
they will present.
The factor that has the most potential to change the information given, based on the point
of view, is what information the author or artist is trying to portray, argue, or sell. It is important
to analyze who is in the piece, what is missing, what would change if the people in the art
changed, if something is being sold, if a point is being argued, or what information is the artist or
writer trying to portray. In art, who is in the piece is extremely important and can change the
entire meaning of the piece. For example, John Berger explains the difference between men and
women in art in his paper, “ways of seeing,” he states, “A man’s presence is dependent upon the
promise of power which he embodies” (Berger 193). In other words, when a man is represented
in art, his presence changes the piece because the social stigma revolves around men being
powerful. This is demonstrated in The Gaze’s visual essay as they show ads that show the
difference that men and women can have in a picture. In one of the photographs shown, Gucci’s
Guilty perfume ad shows a couple in a very sexual, intimate position. This picture shows that the
man is only interested in this sexual interaction because of the perfume the woman is wearing.
He is also extremely strong and the stereotype is one that would portray that he has the power to
make the experience for the woman a positive one. Typically, women have been objectified in
art and the gaze explains that “today’s ads will turn up images that subject men as well as women
to the gaze” (Reading the Gaze 206). Often times, the gender shown in the art piece changes the
entire point of view. If it’s a man typically there is a strong presence of power as Berger
explains. You will “notice the way you as a viewer are being asked to relate to the person in the
picture” (Reading the Gaze 206) will change based on gender, position, and the intent behind the
piece. All of these show what the author or artist is trying to portray. The intent behind the piece
has the largest impact on what is included or excluded as it will change the meaning. For
example, public health messages and ads always try to change the perception or point of view of
the viewer and who the ad or message is directed at can change many things. In a public health
message during WWII, a poster portrays that women are the reason STD’s have spread and that
they are extremely dangerous. The ads “were directed at men in the military” (Public Health
Messages 220). The point that the ad was directed at men and that they were in the military
changed what point of view portrayed by the illustrator.
The person who views the art or reads the message can change what was intended by the
author or artist. Their perception and influence can change the entire meaning of the piece
depending on their understanding or experience. Many of Banksy’s pieces are protected by laws
and large organizations, “however, the council paints over what it considers the offensive part of
the image, leaving behind a well-crafted painting with the satire blunted or eliminated entirely”
(Banksy 310). With this being the case, the perception of the observer will change even though
only a small portion of the art is changed and may not see the point of the art. Also, with strong
political ideas or arguments, the perception of the person reading or observing will change with
their experience. They may not understand the meaning or intent and they will be at a loss as to
what the true meaning is.
Everything changes based on someone’s perception. The point of view of the creator, the
public, and the observer can change how each person reacts to different pieces of art or writings.
While some things may seem like minor changes they can, in reality, make a huge difference
when reviewing a piece. The intent and intensity of someone’s opinion will change the bias and
can change the outcome of the information provided. It is important to take all of the factors into
account when reviewing the information to be able to make the best possible decision as to
whether or not the information is valuable.
Works Cited
Banksy, Visual Essay. "The Most Honest Artform Available." George, Diana and John Trimbur. Reading
Culture. 2012. 310-313.
Berger, John. "Ways of Seeing." George, Diana and John Trimbur. Reading Culture. 2012. 193-202.
"Public Health Messages-Creating a Public Service Announcement." George, Diana and Trimbur John.
Reading Culture. 2012. 219-223.
Reading the Gaze, Visual Essay. "Gender Roles in Advertising." George, Diana and John Trimbur. Reading
Culture. 2012. 206-210.