Satire The delightful way artists deliberately mock or ridicule society to inspire reform… the artist’s dirty little secret.

So, what is satire?  Satire is... an attack by a satirist that is designed to cause discomfort due to his/her portrayal and evaluation of man.  The satirist’s justification… lies in the evils created and perpetuated by man. The constant threat of vulgarity, pride, folly, and other assorted evils are cause for social commentary to better society.

Sarcasm/Verbal Irony vs. Satire  Sarcasm and/or Verbal Irony are both classified as a form criticism (done through ridiculing). It’s just pure criticism; a form of bullying to persuade audience to adopt ones’ belief.  Satire’s main purpose and goal is to inspire reform through the use of ridiculing/mocking. Designed to have the audience evaluate their own belief system and understand the need for correction within society.

Rhetorical Technique & Purpose  Satire blends a hypercritical attitude with humor and wit for the purpose of improving human institutions or humanity. Satire will only attack aspects of society which are correctable.  A blend of humor and criticism inspires correction as it is not like sarcasm/verbal irony. Sarcasm/verbal irony are a form of bullying. Satire, while savage, is meant to better the world.

Rhetorical Technique & Purpose The purpose of satire is to trivialize, emphasize, or maximize the impact of a statement.  To accomplish this, the satirist will hardly ever use a specific name.  By sparing the name of a target, the satirist becomes more effective. You don’t “single out” (like sarcasm does). You point out general patterns of human behavior that all individuals can agree on.  Further, by softening the criticism the target goal will be more readily accepted and will also prevent any desire to imitate the foibles being lampooned.

Rhetorical Technique & Purpose The purpose of satire is to trivialize, emphasize, or maximize the impact of a statement.  To accomplish this, the satirist will hardly ever use a specific name.  By sparing the name of a target, the satirist becomes more effective. You don’t “single out” (like sarcasm does). You point out general patterns of human behavior that all individuals can agree on.  Further, by softening the criticism the target goal will be more readily accepted and will also prevent any desire to imitate the foibles being lampooned.

How to Analyze Satire Ask yourself 4 questions… 1. Who is the target of the satire? 2. What is the satirist’s view? 3. How can you tell the satirist’s view? 4. Who might be offended by the work?

Splitek’s Warning!!! Satire is supposed to make you feel uncomfortable!!! There is almost always a glimmer of truth to what the satirist is saying… you have to decide where the line between satire and offensive is AND it will be different for everyone.

Occupy Wall Street This movement starts in September of 2011 in NYC – specifically in Zuccotti Park. They occupied the park until they were forced out on November 15, 2011.

SB1070 This was the first of many tough anti-immigration laws passed by states around the country in response to the growing concern over the lack of immigration reform and support by the federal government. The Arizona law was both criticized and supported by elected officials, media personalities, special interest groups, and business leaders. The validity of the law was eventually reviewed by the Supreme Court.

Rest your hands… It is time for some video clips!! Clip 1 Clip 2