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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.”

9. “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.”

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

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

17. Global Warming?

18. Christmas in Debt

19. Family Values / Affairs

20. The News Today

21. Santa and the Economy

22. Satire or Parody?

24. The Economy this Christmas

25. Writing Satire

26. 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?

27. 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

29. It is easier for a camel…

30. Global Warming Hoax

31. Crying Elephant

32. King of Golf

33. International Relations