Satire has often raised awareness of corruption and political blunder for time immemorial, from the times of ancient Rome, to Shakespeare's days. Most recently, this proud tradition has endured through the lampooning and imitation of news sources. These shows and publications are both entertaining, and often informative. Consequently, many people, overwhelmingly young people, get their news from comedic satire. I myself kept up with current events through watching Jon Stewart, when he was at the Daily Show. Comedians are highlighting the most disconcerting aspect of Trump's campaign, and providing cathartic laughs in desperate political times. Not only do the jokes shed light on the situation for those who don't normally watch the news, the hyperbole they present are ridiculous, yet illuminating, which contributes to an easier understanding of politics in general. Trump seems himself, if a bit more blunt and open with his prejudices, Ben Carson seems creepier than usual, Sanders is a bit more bombastic, and viewers have a good time while being exposed to issues they might not have been very aware of. Trevor Noah, as part of a bit on the Daily show, has made both eerily accurate comparisons of Trump to African dictators, and Trump to fascists. Admittedly, the farcical nature of the "fake-news show" means that all news has to be taken with a grain of salt, but so does the biased nature of Fox news or MSNBC. This wave of fun and politically aware prime time broadcasting is encouraging, because even if people only watch for the jokes, they're still taking in political events and the stances candidates take.
How do you feel about this proud tradition of satire? Do you think that this assessment is accurate?
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/08/04/arts/television/jon-stewart-daily-show-9-essential-moments.html?action=click&contentCollection=N.Y.%20%2F%20Region&module=MostEmailed&version=Full®ion=Marginalia&src=me&pgtype=article&_r=0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FPrJxTvgdQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg0pO9VG1J8
http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/news/a42977/snl-carson-trump-cold-open/
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7 comments:
First of all, I'd like to preface with the fact that I, too, watch a fair amount of these satirical/political parody shows. Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, and more are often informative while maintaining the light-hearted whimsy for which they are known. I totally agree that these programs are a sort of fun bridge between the reality of current events and genuine comedy, but, at the same time, it is important to understand that these shows are not credible news sources. In the same way that FOX and MSNBC can be accused of having a conservative bias, the writers for SNL and The Daily Show have a liberal bias. It is important that, though entertaining, none of these outlets can be 100% trusted. It is important for viewers, particularly young people who may be heading off to the polls for the first time in 2016, to acknowledge the fact that they are hearing exaggerated (or even made-up) information. I appreciate the proud tradition of satire, but I also recognize the importance of differentiating between entertainment and real news.
I think that valuable information can be learned through comedy shows as long as, like Hannah said, you can know there is a (usually liberal) bias toward politicians. However, I definitely do think that some important information. While shows like Saturday Night Live usually talk about events in a farcical way, shows like Last Week With John Oliver is real news presented in a comedic fashion. While, of course, these television shows are biased and should not be your primary news source, they are still valuable in that they still present information. I also think while some are made to educate (John Oliver, Jon Stewart) some are made to make fun of events that people were already supposed to be paying attention to. When SNL parodies the violence at Drumpf's rallies, they assume the viewer already knows Drumpf rallies have been plagued with violence and never claim to be teaching people about the violence. Basically, some of these comedy shows I think are actually credible and some are just poking fun, but none should be taken as the only news source.
As the previous commenters have stated I too feel that these satirical and comedic shows that bring up/focus on the news do have value. They are definitely reaching out to younger audiences, thus helping to pique their interest in politics and other news worthy events. Many people watch these shows for fun, and while they are funny, these shows also help serve a greater purpose. They help to get some political information out there to those who may not otherwise be actively keeping up with the news (a vast majority of Americans). A few weeks back I watched a John Oliver segment that extensively covered Trump and his campaign. He brought up several facts that I had not heard discussed before and that Trump himself had glossed over - facts that I felt were very important for voters to know about the Republican front runner. After having watched this I went to look and find out more information about some of the points John Oliver had brought, such as his past business failings and campaign financing.
While I'm not saying that all of these shows are completely factual and should not go without questioning, I am saying that they do weave in politics - a hard topic for some to get into - into a more enjoyable setting that can prompt a further inquiry into the information discussed. Even just exposure to this content can help draw people in and make sure that they stay informed (at least at a basic level).
Comedy allows difficult or offensive topics to be discussed openly. Comedians are able to say what other people might be scared to think or share in the name of humor. Though the assessment of some candidates can sometimes stretched for comedic effect, I do believe that satire is a great way to bring up important issues in politics in a way that is easily understandable to the vast majority of the population and can get certain points across to viewers. Comedy can reach audiences that might not be as interested in following the race such as younger kids or people who aren’t interested in politics in general. I know that my friends and I definitely watch shows such as SNL, John Oliver, or the Daily Show for entertainment but end up learning something or leaving with new information that adds to our opinions about the candidates. However, I agree with Amanda in that these shows should definitely be supplemented with factual evidence and filtered through your own previous knowledge. However, I don’t think people have had to deal with this much satire regarding a presidential race ever before. This is the first race in which comedy has been especially prevalent due to Trump’s participation which has meshed entertainment and politics together like no other candidate before him, making the race a greatly accessible topic for entertainment. Voters today definitely have to be more careful about what they see on social media or on television and how they absorb that information in an accurate and helpful manner.
Similar to raswaglia, I watch a lot of political parody shows, especially Saturday Night Live. Millions of Americans are keeping a close eye on the presidential race as they are watching the debates and listening to news channels. Without a doubt, this presidential race has been unique to those in the past. The individuals running for presidency are individuals who we would have never expected to. Donald Trump is an American businessman and television personality, yet he is one of the front runners for the Republican nomination. The comedy shows are a way for Americans to make light of what is currently happening in the busy and overwhelming world of politics. Everyone deserves a good laugh. It allows people to let loose, sit back and have a different perspective about the race. I also agree with raswaglia and Olivia Baesil's statement that it is important for people to realize that comedy shows are not credible for accurate information on what is taking place in politics as they are over exaggerating, twisting scenarios and making parodies.
My first post of the second quarter was of a movement in which Jon Stewart was the figurehead of. With the condition of cable news these days it does not surprise me that many people get their news from satirical resources because they have a hefty amount of self awareness and intellectual pursuits (but from the conservative point of view I can see how this type of medium for political news can further perpetuate the perspective of the "typical smug liberal.") I agree with Gursimar on this one, this election cycle has seen the most prevalent examples of satirical comedy but I find that it makes its affiliation too well known and honestly comedians like Larry Wilmore are nearly single issue and John Oliver has one way of delivering jokes if you've ever watched his show. The real revelation is this: cable news is becoming funny unintentionally and satirical shows are becoming more political and less funny.
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