Viewing Satires & Parodies With a New Lens

“We need to broaden the definition of what news is.” 

Jon Stewart 

• A parody is a work that imitates the style of another work. Social commentary is not generally involved.  

• Satire tries arouse public disapproval of a subject by means of ridicule or exaggeration 

• Satire and parody have very few boundaries 

• The right to free expression 

• Common goal: stay alert in what is happening in the world  

Factors to consider while viewing a satire or parody: 

• Satirists use some of that same evidence but apply the strategies of irony, hyperbole, parody, inversion, juxtaposition, and caricature, making the corrupt a target of ridicule.

• there is a need to to have the capacity to understand irony 

• Power of the veil 

• They create a new way for people to connect with politics

• They allow viewers to engage in a way that is not difficult or serious  and are accessible and appealing

• Fans of political satire consistently exhibit exceptionally healthy democratic characteristics compared to non-viewers 

• People act when they feel- satires and parodies allow people to make connections both with their head and hearts

• They both allow viewers to play with substance in meaningful ways 

Viewing a satire or a parody creates a sense of empowerment for citizens through the form of entertainment. They create a path that encourages ways for viewers to identify and cultivate their now meaningful connections to happenings around the world. 


Mock Talk  

Questions: 

• Can adhering to people's passions in a playful tone be more effective in some ways when viewing subjects such a politics and news events?

• Does receiving information in the form of a satire of parody make a viewer less likely to be vulnerable to strategic emotional manipulation by campaigns and interest groups? 

   

 Sources:

Carter, Tom. "{A Satirical TED Talk, Inspired by Dostoevsky and given by a 10-year-old}." TED Blog A Satirical TED Talk Inspired by Dostoevsky and given by a 10yearold Comments. N.p., 26 Feb. 2015. Web. 28 Apr. 2016. <http://blog.ted.com/a-satirical-ted-talk-inspired-by-dostoevsky-and-given-by-a-10-year-old/>.

Clark, Roy Peter. "Satire's Conflicting Kinship with Journalism." Poynter. N.p., 08 Jan. 2015. Web. 28 Apr. 2016. <http://www.poynter.org/2015/satires-conflicting-kinship-with-journalism/311159/>. 

Young, Dannagal G. "Lighten up." Columbia Journalism Review. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2016. <http://www.cjr.org/cover_story/lighten_up.php>.