Satire, the Mirror of Reality

1859 Words4 Pages

Satire is the most powerful democratical weapon in the arsenal of modern media. Sophia McClennen, the author of America According to Colbert: Satire as Public Pedagogy, describes it as the modern form of public pedagogy, as it helps to educate the masses about current issues (73). In fact, ”a Pew Research Center for the People & the Press survey in 2004 found that 61 percent of people under the age of thirty got some of their political 'news' from late-night comedy shows” (McClennen 73). This statistic shows how influential satirical shows such as The Colbert Report or South Park can be. Satire invites critical self introspection from us in a way that no other media can. It also acts as an unbiased mirror that reflects the mirror image of the flaws of our society. This beautiful process, when unhindered and uncensored, is the epitome of western freedom of speech, which is the single most significant right that deserves to be cherished and defended. According to McClennen however, all mirror images of satire might not be beneficial. She believes that shows such as South Park and The Simpsons, which are not afraid to attack anything, do not lead to any kind of positive political discourse. This is because they provide negative critique that does not offer the elements required from an effective public pedagogy (McClennen 74). Theodore Gournelos, the author of The Tao of South Park: Dissonant Visual Culture and the Future of Politics refutes McClennen´s claim by arguing that eventhough South Park does not directly intervene with policy making or legislative initiatives, it forms a social landscape in which we challenge the status quo. He continues by saying that ”conflict-oriented cultural productions like South Park suggest an arra... ... middle of paper ... ...r, Trey. Cartoon wars I(s10e03). South Park. Comedy Central. 5 Apr. 2006. Web. 8 Dec. 2013.. --- Cartoon wars II(s10e04). South Park. Comedy Central. 12 Apr. 2006. Web. 8 Dec. 2013.. Pilkington, Ed. "South Park Censored after Threat of Fatwa over Muhammad Episode." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 23 Apr. 2010. Web. 05 Dec. 2013. . Rose, Flemming. "Why I Published Those Cartoons." The Washington Post 19 Feb. 2006. The Washington Post. 9 Apr. 2013 . The Qur'an. Trans. By Sahih International. Web. 7 Dec. 2013.

Show More
Related

  • Examples Of Satire In Fahrenheit 451

    518 Words  | 2 Pages

    While the tone may range from playful to angry, satire generally criticizes in order to make a change. Exaggeration, parody, reversal, and incongruity are satirical devices. Author’s use satirical devices to strengthen their central idea.

    Read More

  • The Onion As A Satire

    620 Words  | 2 Pages

    Satire is form of comedy in which flaws in people or society are chastised in order to prompt change in the objects of criticism. Regardless of how long ago comedy itself may have existed, the concept of satire was introduced by the Roman satirists, Juvenal and Horace. The tones conveyed in their writing characterize the main modes of satire, being Horatian and Juvenalian, and are still used in satire today. Presently, two popular forms of comedy that employ satirical elements include parody news sources and comedic performances. Although satirical writing has evolved throughout history, many aspects of satire are still apparent in both the articles of parody news sources, like The Onion, and the performances of professional comedians, like

    Read More

  • Examples Of Satirical Humor

    1060 Words  | 3 Pages

    For example, the comedy shows The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon expresses satirical humor concerning politics. His show also demonstrates political satire by telling jokes and even impersonating political figures for the audience. He creates humor through sarcasm that focuses on real issues. His sarcastic humor causes others to feel more confident in their criticism toward politicians. For example, “Jimmy Fallon expresses his humor about Donald Trump, impersonating his appearance and imitating his voice while talking about politics. He uses his humor by impersonating Donald Trump and his sweeping generalizations with Madea (Rogo).” Jimmy Fallon shows people his views through humor and it creates a sense of community to express their agreeable and disagreeable views. As we discussed some ideas about satirical humor that affects political changes, it was important to reveal their feelings about changes in life and drove them to look upon their society or government more

    Read More

  • Gender Norms & Racial Bias in the Study of the Modern "News Report"

    933 Words  | 2 Pages

    On the contrary of the newscasts offered by CBS and NBC, a cable news program called “The Colbert Report” not only shows bias to other aired news, but makes satire news about them. Unlike the other cable news programs (like FOX or CNN, and the like), “The Colbert Report” is one of the programs that is on Comedy Central that shows a different (but a parody) approach version of conservative political pundits; the other is “The Daily Show with John Stewart”.

    Read More

  • Satire

    1450 Words  | 3 Pages

    Satire is a great tool used by many writers and actors since ancient times. The earliest example that we know about is a script from 2nd millennium BC in Ancient Egypt (Definition: Satire) and since then has evolved into a great part of our society. Satire is used to point out the faults of human vice in order for change and reform in either of two ways. There is a very bitter Juvenalian or a mild and light Horatian. In order to fully understand these forms of satire, method, purpose, and applications will be addressed.

    Read More

  • Humorists

    520 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the 2004 book, Status Anxiety, Alain de Botton argues that the chief aim of humorists is not only to entertain but “to convey with impunity messages that might.be dangerousor impossible to state directly.” Some agree that humorists serve a vital function to society. However, others argue that the opposite is true. A humorist is one who is skillful in the use of humor. This includes cartoonists, stand-up comics, satirical writers, hosts of television programs, and others. Although the work of such humorists may seem crude and is often controversial, it is an effective way to shed light on important subjects in the modern world.

    Read More

  • Dissecting the Ideology of Satire

    1297 Words  | 3 Pages

    John Marwood Cleese, an English actor, comedian, writer and film producer said, “If I can get you to laugh with me, you like me better, which makes you more open to my ideas. And if I can persuade you to laugh at the particular point I make, by laughing at it you acknowledge its truth”. The point he brings up is the ideology of satire. Satire, by definition, is a technique utilized by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or a society. This can be done by using humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule ("Satire - Definition and Examples", para.1). Often times, the humor used opens the audiences’ minds to the underlying problem that the writer is trying to reveal. By examining the purpose and methods of satire, dissecting literary works, and displaying examples in the media, satire is shown to be a valuable tool.

    Read More

  • Satire Essay

    536 Words  | 2 Pages

    According to Everything’s an Argument by Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruszkiewicz, “Humor has always played an important role in argument…” (38). Humor itself is something that activates amusement or laughter. Moreover, in popular culture satire is a tool that is used to point out things in our society. Satire opens the minds of people to philosophies they might completely deny, using humor. There are many elements of satire that identify flaws within our society. A couple of satire elements that will be discussed are irony and exaggeration. In addition, a parody is used in popular culture as a way to mock or mimic situation or person.

    Read More

  • Satire In School Satire

    1227 Words  | 3 Pages

    Satire is customarily discussed as “humor critiquing current political or social issues. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary defines satire as the type of derisive humor or irony; mocking wit; sarcasm especially employed against something perceived as foolish or immoral.” While the Oxford English Dictionary’s emphasis on humor calls attention to the mockery of these issues, it does not present the consequences of certain actions. In the Onion article titled “Underfunded Schools Forced to Cut Past Tense From Language Programs” and The Simpsons episode “Two Cars in Every Garage and Three Eyes on Every Fish, satire also addresses the effects of certain decisions on society. Attending to the consequences of the actions or decisions that are being satirized allows us to see how satire can help us come to

    Read More

  • Using Satire To Create Positive Social Change

    643 Words  | 2 Pages

    An example of satire is in Shrek, the movie proves that we should not judge a book by its cover and that in society we are often quick to judge people. This was the case for Shrek because people immediately assumed he was evil and people never took the time to get to know him. The Yes Men use satire to expose the people gender stereotype too much. Their solution to this was switching the voice boxes G.I. Joe dolls and Barbie Dolls, but instead of kids being upset with this they found it humorous, this showed that kids don't need society to decide what toys they should enjoy. My final example is from the attacks on the Charlie Hebdo attacks.

    Read More

  • Satire Essay Examples

    610 Words  | 2 Pages

    As we have more access to media, it seems that we forget how to process it and seek truth in the information we read. Perhaps the issue is in what the news is producing, as it could even be “fake news” or “alternative facts.” That’s where the issue with satire comes in; satire is made to point out a flaw, and it may not be the whole entire truth as that’s how satire truly works. As a population, sometimes there’s an ignorance where we don’t truly understand what we’re reading, but we accept it because there’s nothing else to counter that. Both news and satire comes in a prejudiced opinion, which affects the way we perceive it, and maybe even how we understand it, In which the 2016 Presidential Election plays into this unfamiliarity, people

    Read More

  • The Importance Of Political Humor

    1048 Words  | 3 Pages

    James Conroy argues that laughter in serious topics has been regarded through the ages as dangerous, deviant, and subversive; yet equally as refreshing, challenging, and constructive. Political humor is extensively used in almost all countries, but political satire is perceived differently from one country to another. The research question is as follows: what factors make political satire an effective tool that affects politics and policy? I argue that humor is more influential when blended with serious topics, such as international relations or politics. Laughter is a great means to put serious topics under the lenses of critical thinking. The use of humor, and political satire specifically can bring about serious political change. Humor can play all sorts of roles in the political process through being informative, educational and influential while keeping its captive entertaining

    Read More

  • Satire in Brave New World

    1113 Words  | 3 Pages

    Satire is defined as “the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues” (Oxford). The best satirical writers can make the reader believe that an idea is “logical and practical.” This is seen in great abundance in Aldous Huxley’s novel, Brave New World. Through his writing, Huxley uses satire to effectively point out the flaws of society at the time. Even though Brave New World was written in 1931, the satirical points Huxley makes are still relevant in today’s world.

    Read More

  • 18Th Century Satire: A Modest Proposal

    1412 Words  | 3 Pages

    Through the use of satire the uninformed are educated, a following is created, followed by the demand for change.

    Read More

  • The Powerful Effect of Fake News

    2875 Words  | 6 Pages

    From the beginning days of the printing press to the always evolving internet of present day, the media has greatly evolved and changed over the years. No one can possibly overstate the influential power of the new media of television on the rest of the industry. Television continues to influence the media, which recently an era of comedic television shows that specialize in providing “fake news” has captivated. The groundbreaking The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and its spin-off The Colbert Report have successfully attracted the youth demographic and have become the new era’s leading political news source. By parodying news companies and satirizing the government, “fake news” has affected the media, the government, and its audience in such a way that Bill Moyers has claimed “you simply can’t understand American politics in the new millennium without The Daily Show,” that started it all (PBS).

    Read More

More about Satire, the Mirror of Reality

Open Document