Political Satire : Political Humor

Many may argue that Stephen Colbert uses Horatian satire in his comedy. Arguably, the type of satire which Stephen Colbert uses most often to attack groups of people is Juvenalian satire. Colbert can be viewed as a Horatian satirist to liberals who support his views in comedy. On the other hand, the group which Stephen Colbert

He claims that while The Daily Show is a humorous broadcasting show, that it is “‘unburdened by objectivity”’ but still advises large groups of America about “foreign and national news events” (Zinsler 365-6). Zinsler then goes to Matthew Baum’s study that claims the daily viewers of “fake” news broadcasting are more aware than those that do not watch the programs (370). Baum’s views, had, in fact, had been proved by a “2004 National Annenberg Election Study” that stated The Daily Show viewers were able to correctly answer more questions that those of national television viewers (Zinsler 370). Zinsler’s claims of logos, and those studies from Baum and Anneberg, go to prove, that whether one believes it is beneficial or disadvantageous to watch “fake” news programs, studies have proven that those who get their information from the media, such as The Daily Show, have been able to interpret the information

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

Perhaps the most important reading from this class, I feel, is the Gray, Jones, and Thompson article on satire. Although the seemingly most popular article of the class, I argue that its popularity strives from a detachment of more traditional television sources, providing a new form of cultural engagement and citizenship. As trust in clear-leaing broadcasting systems fades, satire and parody emerges as substitute, filling in the spaces of discontent and misrepresentation felt by audiences. Shows like the Daily Show “defamiliarize” norms embedded into our social-political behavior, allowing a ‘step back’, as it were, and on an individual scale philosophically scrutinize them (Gray, 9). Most significantly, elements of satire and parody facilitates

This being said satire helps our generation realize there is a big problem and gives us solutions without straight out telling us what we need to do. Satire is an important part of our society today because we like to know what is going on but we do not just want to here depressing news and satire brings a bright side to tough subjects. Our whole generation acts like children if we are told to do something we probably will not do what is asked but if the same thing is brought up nicely we will be more apted to do it. We do not like to feel obliged to do anything. John Oliver is a genius when it comes to satire and being up serious situations with a funny

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart has aired on Comedy Central for over ten years. The question of it being considered “real news” or not has been raised among many news outlets across the country. The opening of The Daily Show appears to be like any other news program we would see on other news broadcasts. The opening of the program has similar imagery to other news programs. The use of the colors red and blue not only symbolizes the Democratic and Republican Parties, but also symbolizes America and patriotism.

The government makes mistakes in the public that some of us citizens don’t see. Stewart points out those mistakes in an entertaining way to keep people tuned in and informed as well. Jon Stewart helps young citizens gain enough information and knowledge to understand American Democracy. If we don’t know what our governors, president, and vice presidents etc.. is saying during public announcements and speeches that are important than we’ll be lost. Stewart’s show is basically getting people to view those issues in an entertaining way and not being bored throughout the shows.

Satire is a literary work that uses irony, humor, or exaggeration to expose and/or criticize a vice. Satire has the capability to take serious matters and ease tension on the entire situation. It has a way of making things easier and lighter even though it brings out hardcore facts. The satirist makes an argument that relies upon the intellect of the audience to pick up on the hidden meaning; and due to its critical and judging nature, satire is sometimes deemed as excessive. However, in Last Week Tonight Show John Oliver (Wage Gap), The Lady’s Dressing Room by Jonathan Swift, and Gary McCoy’s political cartoon, opposing views are brought up with the use of Satire. The “Gender Wage Gap” sketch By John Oliver exposes the inequalities of women

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.

Jon Stewart treats the pundits as well as the political figures as propaganda. He discovers the falsities committed by the pundits and the political figures and puts his discoveries out to the public to watch as entertainment.

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

One recent case where the mass media poked fun at and satirized the government was the year 2000 election. In the time where ballots and votes became confused and the state of Florida became the punch-line to many a water cooler joke, shows such as the ones above took the story and ran with it. From the very beginning the satire of political figures played its role in the election. According to the Washington Post and the Pew Research Center, 47 percent of Americans under the age of 30 receive around 26% of their information about candidates, amongst other political matters, through late night comedy television. This trend has been labeled by many “Infotainment.” The viewers are receiving information about political issues and their government, but through a sarcastic or humorous filter that creates a different culture of informed citizens.

Many news outlets rely on publishing sources of news that is satire. Satire utilizes on humor, irony, or exaggeration to uncover or highlight issues. One of which was displayed by PBS NewsHour, on the topic of "Donald Trump's Surprise election victory" mentioning the political satire on, "Fake election news more popular on Facebook than most popular election stories" (Fake, Par. D). The topic of current events or politics, satire is "designed to fool people into believing something that is not true" (Fake, Par. E). In today's world, false news is created with a specific purpose. People are being victims and are unable to comprehend the irony of satire in websites. For an example, in the article recent Change.org petition Psychologist Dannagal Young states, "Allow open carry of Firearms at the Quicken Loans Arena during the RNC convention" (Fake, Par. N). Many news outlets believed the petition to be true, but in reality, satire is