SATIRE WHAT IS SATIRE The use of humor

SATIRE

WHAT IS SATIRE? The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize: - Organizations and institutions - Politics - Famous and infamous people - Beliefs, behaviors, attitudes - Human vices and weaknesses

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SATIRE? To expose an issue to correct it To effect change To shine a spotlight on an issue

WHY SATIRE WORKS Because threatening, lecturing, and discussing don’t change people, organizations, or ideas. By holding a mirror up to the subject or behavior, they (or it) are seen as ridiculous, as objects of ridicule. It helps people see the folly of their ways and encourages others to not do the same.

Effective SATIRE Has a focused subject Has an identifiable comment or criticism Doesn’t BULLY - the criticism is deserved The satirist is often part of the group High ETHOS - examples and development prove knowledge Strong tone - voice (harsh, angry, sarcastic, or funny)

Ineffective Satire Is created by someone who isn’t knowledgeable or doesn’t know what they are talking about Is mean for the sake of being mean Has an object of criticism that is a victim of circumstance not responsible for his or her situation Seems objective - removed, apathetic, or “blah” about the subject

SATIRICAL Techniques - Perspective play - Exaggeration or minimization - Irony and sarcasm - Caricatures - Word play (double meanings, puns) - Invective (attacking through negative emotive language) - Parodies (imitating the structure, techniques, look, style)

SATIRE v. PARODY Mockery Goal is to change Serious point through humor Mimicry Goal is laughter Not serious

Let’s Practice. . . http: //www. thedailyshow. com/watch/thu-march -10 -2011/crisis-in-dairyland---apocalypse-cow