Graffiti in Baghdad, produced by Dani Noble of War News Radio, is another glimpse into Iraqi culture. This piece strikes close to home because Portland, ME is currently dealing with what the city believes is a graffiti problem. Hearing about a dozen Iraqi high school students being executed for spraying graffiti shoves the whole argument into perspective. Maybe if graffiti artists were aware that in other countries people are executed for spraying they would be more respectful and thoughtful with their messages. Graffiti in Baghdad contains various elements that lead the listener into the next subject. Containing interviews, song quotes, and anecdotes for and against graffiti in Baghdad Dani Noble has created a well rounded unbiased feature. This piece has a clear beginning and end, levels are mixed appropriately and narrator’s voice is easy to listen to. I can’t wait until phone technology has improved so that phone interviews are more audible.
Graffiti in Baghdad should be aired during any show on freedom of speech, graffiti, censorship, and current culture in Iraq.
Ness Smith-Savedoff