Status Anxiety Rhetorical Analysis

She presented with anxiety, academic concern, and depressed mood. She reported that she has a habit of avoiding things that increases anxiety. She noted that her strategy in avoiding anxiety provoking situations also makes her feel stuck. She reported that she can be self-critical that it is difficult for her to motivate herself. She reported that she has been missing her classes in an attempt to avoid a stressful situation.

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.

1a. Know and understand- to perceive as the fact or the truth; to grasp the meaning of an idea

He presented with decrease in anxiety. Nevertheless, he reported ongoing anxiety which is usually more problematic in the morning. He described how his tendency to procrastinate increase his anxiety and make it difficult to put his thoughts into an action. Moreover, he discussed his fear, worry, and nervousness about job and internship interviews. He mentioned that he tend to “inhibit” expression that he does not always make a good impression. He expressed a wish to be able to be more relaxed and to express friendly and humorous sides of his personality. He was able to identify a strategy to reduce anxiety related to job interview namely by considering his answers to typical interview questions

This includes mobs and protest, which although extreme and violent, proves to be a popular form of expression. On the other hand, a more pacifistic approach is comedic satire, which pokes fun at the issue one may find fault in. For example, Saturday Night Live mocks Donald Trump and his administration with outrageous costumes and makeup and over exaggerated dialogue between depictions of key cabinet members. The rise in popularity of SNL due to these skits is shown by the rising popularity of actors such as Alec Baldwin, Kate McKinnon, and Melissa McCarthy, who portray members within the government. Some of the problems addressed by the writers of SNL include the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election and the believed lack of professionalism displayed by Trump. By addressing these issues, SNL shines a light to their expansive audience about their belief in reform within the government. Although the response is varied, the intensity is more peaceful when compared to some more violent protests that have occurred within

Comedians throughout history have almost always been portrayed as a tension-easing, and carefree form of entertainment. But as the world evolves, many begin to question the relevance of humorists and whether or not their content is always needed in society. In his 2004 book, Status Anxiety, author Alain de Botton explores the idea that humorists are vital to society due to their ability to speak openly about rising issues that the rest of society typically keeps repressed. Although it is true that comedians are able to speak about important issues in front of many, they most commonly use this ability in a negative way, to insult and offend others of different races, sexes, and genders. Because of the ever changing political views that people hold, what comedians say on stage is controversial more times than not.

SNL considers the advantage of being able to ridicule people in politics with the use of satire to ultimately persuade audiences

Comedy is an integral part of our daily lives and routines. It can be as simple as telling a joke to our friends to as complicated as a political cartoon depicting a satirical image of a president committing a crime. However, according to author Alain de Botton, comedy is a conduit that is used to express ideas that society is not generally willing to propound in public. It is clear that the role of humorists is not only to humor an audience, but also to provide a channel for the expression of ideas that are not necessarily ones that we would say to the public, making their role crucial to the functionality of society.

The motivation of the writer is what spurred them to begin writing whatever it is that they are writing. Whether that be a deadline and a teacher’s assignment, or to inform a specific audience about a specific topic, the atmosphere of the writing (Facebook post versus letter) must be motivated by something (making request through letter, telling facts about yourself on Facebook.) This is where primary goals come in: based on your audience and motivation/intent to write, these goals may vary between informing and educating to persuading and demanding. Rhetorical effects are what the reader/audience was caused to feel/think based on how the author wrote their piece. For example, if the author of a pro-democratic comic wanted to persuade viewers

The second form of critiques common in late-night television programs is scrutinizing a political leader. These critiques are more common than issue critiques and they are often centered around the executive branch of the government: the president, the first family, major candidates, etc. (Niven, Lichter, & Amundson, 2003). Rather than focusing on the issues, many political comedy shows prefer to attack the person or people in charge. These attacks often follow the style of ad hominem attacks. One possible reason for the executive branch bearing the brunt of these attack is because its members are more public than the other branches. Another interesting finding is that, despite the ever-changing news, the majority of jokes about the candidates or incumbents do not change (Niven, Lichter, & Amundson, 2003). For example, President Trump could potentially be characterized as a self-centered, angry men whether he his speaking at the United Nations or flying tweeting about his financials. The nature of the jokes may differ, but the punch line is often the same.

Satirical news programs serve as important a role in informing the public as professional news outlets, for even those who check credibility must also be checked, and the platform by which satirical news is presented, reaches a far more broad portion of individuals.

However, satire is still a method of writing being published today in order to express opinion and concern to political leaders. A modern work of satire is Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Updates.” This recurring skit consists of a summary of everything happening around the world during a given week. These news events are approached in a mocking and entertaining way that draws attention and can open the viewer’s eyes to the way their political officials are handling issues, or not handling issues. This essay will explore how these two examples of satire compare to each other and to the definition of a satire.

While remaining comedic, satires provoke thought and illuminate political and social opinion. As an illustration, Saturday Night Live (SNL) maintains the position of a reporting platform. Creator and Producer of SNL, Lorne Michaels, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom because he reflects and shapes, “critical elements of our political and national life,” (Source 2) on the show. Due to the recent presidential election, SNL has had ample opportunity to portray political discourse in satires. Karl Bode, writer of TechDirt article said, “satirical news programs do a significantly better job at reporting the news than most of the nation's actual news outlets.” (Source 7) The writers of SNL critiqued both candidates...president elect Trump more so. The skits left room for praise and criticism

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