Celebrity Family Feud: The Use Of Satire In Politics

Satire reflects in different ways on our society today. While satire was all over back then today we mainly see it in political cartoons and on television. On television there are show such as the Colbert Report and John Oliver who relay "news reports" to viewers. They are poking fun at the news going in the world today. One of the biggest shows of Satire is SNL. Most recently they have had "Trump" on and have been making fun of presidential career thus far. In today's society the big butt and boobs are the goal for many up and coming stars. For television hosts this gives a chance for them to make parody's of them. For example, Ellen DeGeneres has dressed up as a fictional cousin of the Kardashians. In this costume she has the big hair, big

Humorists are often seen as insignificant contributors of society. People consider humorists no more than just “entertainers”, willing to make fun of anything in order to make a crowd laugh, however, has the audience ever contemplated why humorists are the some of the only people who are allowed to critique anything that crosses their mind without consequences? Alain de Botton, claims the vital role of humorist is, “to convey with impunity messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly.” I agree with Alain de Botton’s claims, that humorists do hold an important role in society, which is far more than to entertain. They break the ice on delicate topics, communicating the messages to society. Political cartoons and the Colbert

Modern society allows humorists to touch upon offensive topics without receiving much criticism. As Alain de Botton claimed in his 2004 book, Status Anxiety, humorists’ role is not merely to entertain but “to convey with impunity messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly.” De Botton’s argument proves legitimate. Many humorists, such as cartoonists and television hosts, decide to use their humor as a tool to prove an idea or express a belief that cannot be voiced candidly in public.

Many comedians have been talking a great deal about politics and the government as a way to spread a variety of messages to the community expressing how they feel about how things are going for America. Therefore many comedians have become more popular in this past election season and with Trump 's new presidency. Stephen Colbert an American comedian, television host, and author uses his spotlight in media as a way to attack President Trump and his administration within his comedy. Colbert uses Juvenalian satire and satirical techniques while discussing politics to reveal his opinions as a way to spread messages to society about the Trump Administration and uses his comedic platform to do so.

Even though the common man is afraid to speak of delicate issues such as politics, religion, or current events, humorists such as stand-up comics to late-night television hosts are able to find a common ground. In order to get a positive reception from their audience, many television hosts place the issues aside and poke humor at the irony of the topic or person. For example, Jimmy Fallon, current host of The Tonight Show, is able to get his audience to laugh at political jokes because he does not directly tackle major, philosophical issues such as abortion, but talks about more subtle things like the appearance of presidential candidates. Notoriously, when doing a Donald Trump impersonation, Jimmy Fallon spray tans himself orange as if he was living on Jersey Shore. This ridiculous appearance

In Status Anxiety, author de Botton correctly claims that humorists are expected to not only entertain their audience, but to make statements about controversial events that may be too sensitive to say directly and causally present them in a way that is easy for the public to understand. This is demonstrated through various forms of media such as television shows and political cartoons.

America is a culture that enjoys having some time away from the reality of political issues within society. Comedic entertainment has found ways to also inform its audience about important political statements that is used to “refer to any act or nonverbal form of communication that is intended to influence a decision to be made for or by a political party”( Wikipedia), or ideas through a comedic point of view. Comical news is what brings our attention with ease because listening to straight political debates can lead a person to not want to sit and become informed on latest political topics. The culture that society has developed into became accustomed to finding it better to have a laugh about serious news because through humor an audience

The Colbert Report is an American late night talk show, which is a news satire and comedic program. The show illustrates how the comedy and satire genre is important when it comes to informing people about political and controversial topics. The comedic element of the show makes the program entertaining and informative. In comparison to The Harvest of Shame this documentary that was used to inform the American people about a sever issue made people feel bad, it was depressing. The Colbert Report takes boring political issues and makes them interested, which appeals to younger adults. Many young adults do not pay attention to politics because it is boring or too difficult to understand. The show takes a political subject, simplifies it and makes it interesting. For example, in one episode he discusses the 2016 election and makes fun of a statement of Donald Trump, it’s not only funny, but informative. Stephen Colbert is always talking to the audience directly, which creates a better connect with the viewers. Shows like The Colbert Report bring people together to discuss important topics. The comedy and satire of the show is just a technique to reach more people and create a safe environment to discuss these sensitive topics. There are many talk shows that are comedic and satire because it makes the show self-reflexive. In conclusion, genre is a major factor when it comes to creating

The author compares the traditional political prank of “the Rhinoceros Party of Canada” to the present day of Calvert’s online hit. The comparison allows the reader to infer that the accessibility of the internet has allowed political satire to grow rapidly, as uploading a video online takes minimal effort in contrast to assembling an illegitimate political party. Despite their distinct techniques on representing their political ideologies, humor entitles the public to think about mainstream politics through their individual

For one, Donald Trump is not their president” (Lang). Retorts like these have earned Noah and Colbert nine hundred-forty thousand and 3.31 million viewers, respectively (Welch). The people that watch this political satire may find that it is enjoyable, even therapeutic, to laugh at the (ridiculous) news. The desire to watch someone with the same opinions as us has encouraged comedians to alter their content. Furthermore, they have become more overt in their beliefs because of the viewers.

A state in which the mind is elevated above the reach of ordinary impressions, unconscious of sensible objects, and under the influence of overpowering emotions celebrities find irresistible and enticing. Celebrities distinguish themselves in such ways that others admire and want to emulate. Celebrities are worthy of imitation; "everyone needs a role model". The immense amount of drug usage that celebrities, athletes, professionals, and politicians take part in has improved society in countless ways and will continue to do so if everyone emulates these social icons.

Satire is constantly evolving in order to maintain with the times. As technology, culture and humanity change and grow, satire is forced to grow with it. Satire of our modern time is more likely to be found on our phones than on print, more likely on a television than a telegram. By merging with pop culture, in forms of Family Guy and Comedy Central news shows, these forms of satire are able to stay relevant. But, despite the change in medium, the purpose of satire and effect of satire holds true. Modern satire, just as that of past satire, sheds light on the problems of our society through ridicule and mockery, without reinforcing and further cementing the stereotypes and prejudices they are trying to expose.

Today, comedy news shows are becoming progressively more popular, and in so, becoming a new source of information – which may, or may not, be a positive consequence. Most comedians twist the truth in order to connect to people and make them laugh. The article “A Serious Business: What Can Comedy Do?” suggests some comedians “use logic to make painful things make sense” (O’Hara 108). Satirical comedy acts as a relief mechanism in that it comforts people that may be wary about a certain subject, especially in the realm of politics. Similarly, Peter McGraw and Joel Warner discuss how comedy can act as a coping mechanism. The authors conclude that “activists all over the world have been using comedy as a form of political protest” (McGraw & Warner 147). Iain Ellis writes about how political satirists do more than just deliver jokes, they use satire “to expose, ridicule, and–implicitly–call for action and change” (Ellis 152). Ellis contends that comedy can make a difference by its constant presence in our daily lives. Socrates, Plato, and even shows like South Park believe that humor is a way to persuade others. One of the most effective expressions of humor to affect social change has been the inclusion of satire. Although humor often provides people a welcome escape from the burdens of their daily lives, the satirical comedy deconstructs social issues in various ways as a means to persuade the

Hollywood politics have been loud in 2017. Celebrities are weighing in about their personal beliefs and making their opinions know. It didn't used to be this way in Hollywood. In fact, it was the exact opposite. If you look back 20 years ago, it was a painstaking endeavor to keep star's opinions out of the public and studios when to great lengths to make it happen. Even today, unless riding the rumor mill, most people don't know who Marilyn Monroe or Bob Hope voted for. They defined their public lives so well that most fans didn't even have the courage to ask. Their personal opinions were a private matter.

Impersonations of politicians are now as de rigueur in politics as talking-head pundits and Gallup polling. Comic Tina Fey won an Emmy for her portrayal of then vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin on "Saturday Night Live." And Palin, for her part, actually appeared alongside Fey in one episode, and presidential candidate John McCain appeared alongside his impersonator.)