Let’s make a point… and be funny. Parody and Satire Let’s make a point… and be funny.

Satire and Parody: The Difference is Subtle using humor to point out weaknesses of people and society using humor to mock or imitate a person or situation usually sarcastic funny (not so much ‘haha’) ‘haha’ funny makes a serious point often involves exaggeration

Satire and Parody: The Difference is Subtle Although satire is usually meant to be funny, the purpose of satire is not primarily humor in itself so much as an attack on something of which the author strongly disapproves, using the weapon of wit. A work created to mock, comment on, or poke fun at an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation

Definitions: Irony: The expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or empathic effect. Sarcasm: The use of Irony to mock or convey contempt. Satire: The use of humor, exaggeration, irony, or ridicule to expose or criticize people’s stupidity or vices.

A statement could be Satire if it contains: Fake enthusiasm Statements that are obviously untrue A humorous tone Glossed-over statements revealing the author’s actual negative opinion of the subject

Analyzing Satire Don’t take the speaker’s words literally Look for clues that show real attitude Word Choice provides clues Tone provides clues Satire deals with Irony / Contradiction The speaker probably means the opposite of what is said

Letter to Parents “Dear Parental Units: I propose that next year instead of driving to Aunt Jen’s house, let’s drive to the opposite side of the continent. That will give us time to enjoy even more road bingo and staticky AM talk radio. It would boost the economy by supporting convenience stations, fleabag motels, as well as the struggling barf bag industry. We’d support the poor little oil companies by sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours with our engine running.”

“And when we arrive, tired and irritable, we should have a relaxing dinner with complete strangers who are our polar opposites in terms of personal and political values, then have fun asking and being asked personal and insinuating questions. Think how much we could learn about one another. This could become a cherished annual tradition.”

Examples of Parody SNL: Justin Timberlake-Beyonce Monty Python Weird Al Austin Powers

Examples of Satire Campaign Ads The Colbert Report: Sink or Swim The Onion (www.theonion.com) Animal Farm: Trailer Political cartoons

Global Warming?

Christmas in Debt

Family Values / Affairs

The News Today

Santa and the Economy

Satire or Parody?

The Economy this Christmas

Writing Satire

Plan Identify your issue How serious is your issue What is causing it? Who is responsible for fixing it? What are they (or are they NOT) doing? How serious is your issue How is it affecting society? What is making the problem bad?

Plan Create a fake (satirical) solution What do you think is ridiculous? Fake enthusiasm Statements that are untrue Glossed over statements revealing your negative opinion of the subject

It is easier for a camel…

Global Warming Hoax

Crying Elephant

King of Golf

International Relations