When does satire go too far? Satire has merits beyond just being funny – it delivers clear and relevant social commentary. But are there lines that satire shouldn’t cross? English 10: British Literature Mr. Ambrose

Today’s Objectives To examine some contemporary examples of satire and determine if their message is lost because of its offensive delivery. To assess whether Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” is effective satire, or whether, perhaps like some of today’s examples, it “goes too far.”

Do Now Read the article titled “Banned TV Episode Has Its Day on DVD” from The New York Times. Journal: Do you think it was appropriate that this episode was banned from television because of its controversial content? Explain your reasoning.

Jeff Dunham and Achmed the Dead Terrorist Mr. Esner finds this to be an extraordinarily racist clip that is offensive and lacks comedic value. How do you feel about it?

Borat’s “Throw the Jew Down the Well” Sacha Baron Cohen is actually Jewish, but does his message combating anti- Semitism clearly come through in this piece? What role do the audience members listening to Borat play in the satire?

South Park Is it ever OK to make fun of someone’s religion for satirical purposes? How is Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s commentary on religion similar to Swift’s?

The Colbert Report Do you think that Sarah Palin’s definition of “satire” is an accurate one? How does Colbert satirize this definition? Is it ever OK to use the word “retard” for satirical purposes?

Sassy Gay Friend Is it ever OK to use stereotypes in satire? This is a great summary of Othello, but it could be considered offensive by some. Would it ever be OK to use in class?

How about the “N” word? Satirists from Mark Twain to Dave Chappelle have used the “N” word as a means to combat racism – yet many have censored this message. Just recently, versions of Twain’s books have been published with the “N” word removed from them. Is it ever acceptable to use this word? Why?

So…what’s off limits for satire? Sexuality Religion Pregnancy/Abortion Race (The “N” Word) Disabilities Politics The Holocaust and other Genocides War “Too soon?” (Michael Jackson’s death)

Modest Proposal Many readers (like Andrea B. and Andrea G. in period 4) were more than a bit disturbed by Swift’s suggestion that we eat babies – they actually asked if we could stop reading the essay. Did Swift’s essay go to far in its use of satire if readers were actually so disgusted that they wanted to put down the essay? Did these readers, then, miss out on Swift’s message? Is this one of the dangers of satire?

Tonight’s Homework HONORS: Complete your own “Modest Proposal,” due Friday, STANDARD: Work on your Eggplant satirical newspaper, due Tuesday,