About Because I’m Worthless

Banksy’s iconic 2004 print features a rat taking on a human-like vertical pose as it holds a sign featuring the titular slogan Because I’m Worthless. The rat's adoption of a human pose challenges the viewer to reconsider conventional notions of value and worthiness. Mediating the artist’s scepticism towards capitalism, the print raises questions about social labels and the impact of judgements we impose on one another.

Broader Context

Throughout his career, Banksy created a series of animal characters to establish a visual language that could stand for the vulnerable, forgotten society members. The rat taps into the experiences and feelings of those on the margins of modern society. It also questions the capitalist dynamics, whereby the visibility and wellbeing of those deprived of economic privilege becomes threatened. This message is further reinforced by George Marshall’s book Get Out While You Can, Escape the Rat Race, which inspired Banksy’s print and features the concept of salary slavery, critiquing the persistently damaging conditions of life and work imposed on the vulnerable members of society.

What’s unique about Because I’m Worthless

Rendered in Banksy’s iconic stencil-like style, Because I’m Worthless is part of a series of three prints known as the Placard Rats. The series celebrates the rat as one of Banksy’s most revealing and ambiguous symbols.