TOW #5: "Will Work for Inspiration"

The evolution of New York

Source: http://amazingstuff.co.uk/places/the-world-now-and-then/#.UltXexYfpSU

While New York still has an exciting, enticing reputation, few may actually understand (and even fewer may expect) the change in New York's culture. David Byrne writes "Will Work for Inspiration" as a longtime citizen of New York and an artist whose band has deep roots in New York. Byrne is a musician, director, artist, and writer who has written nine books and produced seventeen albums, and directed six films. Upon reading more of his essays, I realized that Byrne has a pessimistic view of the contemporary world in comparison to the 1970s and 1980s. He writes about the progression of culture in New York City while focusing on the creative crowds that have always been drawn to NYC and how the city compares to other highly "ranked" cities. The motive of the author in writing "Will Work for Inspiration" is multi-tiered– Byrne wants to inform readers of the sad state of New York's cultural environment and to persuade any and all New York residents that something needs to be done in order to ensure that New York retains its splendor. I definitely believe that David Byrne accomplished his initial purpose. Although my interest (since, to be fair, I am included in his audience) in New York hasn't changed all that much after reading "Will Work for Inspiration", I now feel like I've been enlightened regarding the true state of New York. The primary technique he used that appealed to me was his vivid comparisons. This article was written for a narrow audience; however, the actual audience is much broader. The author intended to write to New Yorkers and soon-to-be New Yorkers, but Byrne more generally speaks about the preservation of (any) culture. To achieve his bold purpose, Byrne employed several rhetorical strategies. He uses statistics to generate logos which prove to the reader that New York may not be all it's built up to be. In addition, he uses comparison, which evokes logos and pathos. To establish ethos, he demonstrates his knowledge of New York, making the essay overall a worthwhile read.

Article source: http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/07/new-york-1percent-stifles-creative-talent