British street artist Banksy has again flipped our stupid American egos in our faces. During his month-long exhibition in New York City, Banksy has erected some astounding pieces that remind us why the world fell in love with the talented artist. Huge murals of horses sporting military goggles and dogs peeing on fire hydrants popped up in the most vibrant city in the world. How does this man continue to go unnoticed, we wondered; a man creeping through a city that supposedly shuns sleep. What a maverick. What a magician.

'Better Out Than In' Day Nine (Banksy.co.uk)

But Banksy has never strived for grand displays as much as social commentary. Perhaps his most known work is "Exit Through The Gift Shop", his 2010 Oscar-nominated documentary where he chronicles the rise of Mr. Brainwash, a street artist who capitalized on people's fascination with street art, even when Mr. Brainwash's work lacked any significant social commentary (It's Elvis, but rather than holding a gun, he's holding a rifle! Art!). 

And now Banksy has embarrassed America again. His most recent trick did not involve a grand display or risky night crawling, but rather a daytime exhibition in Central Park. Hey America, you like my work? Come buy some.

Except he didn't announce the work as his, simply setting up a stand selling $60 spray art. The original works appeared in the style of Banksy, but most idiots walking past the display saw the art as Banksy imitations, not considering that they could be original pieces.

But of course they were original, and of course basically no one bought any. He ended up selling eight paintings for $420 (one customer negotiated a 50 percent discount on the two pieces she bought) and now writers and bloggers are amazed at how he sold paintings worth $42,000 for just $60!

And with the swipe of a few keys and the click of "publish," the media has again advanced Banksy's plan to make us all feel stupid. How lucky are these people who bought a piece for $60 and saw it skyrocket to $42,000 overnight!? Not lucky at all. They bought art because they liked it. That's the point of art. And that's the whole point of Banksy's role as a street artist.

Banksy could make millions by spray painting canvas and selling it to people who want to own authentic Banksy art; he could be Mr. Brainwash. But he chooses to create art in public spaces and to allow people to enjoy art without paying a fortune to hang oil on canvas in their mansions. 

And no, its not just Americans. Even in London people are stupid enough to steal and sell Banksy's work. So go ahead, continue to monetize Banksy and other street artists' work - its only human nature. But next time you're walking through Central Park and checking out the work on the hundreds of stands of artwork, remember that the piece may not have a $42,000 price tag, but if you like it, stop being an idiot and buy it. It's worth what you want it to be worth. 

Reach Executive Producer David Tobia here or follow him on Twitter.

David Tobia