1. …Its TV genre Sketch Comedy Live from Peik Hall…

2. Examples Saturday Night Live Dave Chappelle Kids in the Hall Mr. Show!

3. Sketch Comedy Has roots in vaudeville and other variety type shows Consist of skits or “sketches” that are more directly related to improvisational comedy Made popular by Monty Python, Saturday Night Live and SCTV

4. Roles Political/Topical: someone or something that is newsworthy at the time Usually done as a satire

5. Roles Reoccurring characters: characters that have some specific (and strange) attributes and appear in reoccurring sketches These characters interact with “regular” people in “regular” situations

6. Plot/Storylines In general, the sketches are somewhat rooted in reality Someone or something is out of context or extreme-something makes the viewer feel uncomfortable Sketches are also satirical and used to expose issues in a certain light that perhaps the issue is not being seen in

7. Value Assumptions Sketch comedy assumes that the viewer has a certain amount of background information on the subjects of the sketch –For example, without understanding (or just knowledge of) the Whitewater scandal that President Clinton was associated with, the viewer may not fully understand the sketch that satirizes the issue

8. Problems Another assumption is that the viewer comprehends satire. Younger viewers may not be able to pick up on what is meant to be satirical, what is not, what is meant to be silly and what should be taken seriously

9. Examples of Problems –For example, I always hear students quoting Dave Chappelle but they don’t always understand the complexity, historical background and sensitivity surrounding race in America (as well as other issues) “I’m rich B#$%&!”

10. Problems Continued (this is my opinion) Carlos Mencia doesn’t approach sensitive issues, such as race, gender or sexuality in a smart way but in an obvious, stereotypical way. Students cant tell the difference between him and Dave Chappelle The satire is lost on them and they think it is acceptable to make jokes from crude stereotypical caricatures