Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Blog Post 3-28
What is satire?
Satire is using irony, sarcasm, wit or hyperbole to expose or deride actions or ideas of folly or vice. It can be humorous, serious, any number of things. It usually involves a certain degree of hyperbole to convey its sarcastic intent.
How is it different from humor or parody?
Satire can be humorous to people but it doesn’t need to be. Humor does seem to be a good identifier for satire though. But humor is a broader term. Parody can be satire as well and humorous but it is more of an imitation of an original work.
Why would an author choose to communicate through satire?
If an author has a very sarcastic voice, like Jonathon Swift, and want to show the ludicrousness of an idea. I think it works best when dealing with political issues and ideologies. It is a very limited genre, and difficult for many authors to pull off. I myself cannot communicate well through satire.
What are some possible problems with satire as a form of communication?
Some issues are people could take the satire as reality. A very good modern day example is Sarah Palin never said “I can see Russia from here.” It was Tina Fey on Saturday Night Live but somehow people whenever anyone says Sarah Palin they bring up the Russia comment. (which now that I think of it that could be more of a Parody example, but still taking satire as reality could be a danger…)
Also if the author doesn’t write the satire well it comes off offensive there is always a line for satire. You need hyperbole in satire but if it is too over the top or you choose a bad/offensive “consequence” it can have the opposite effect.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Blog Post 3-26
What do I find funny?
I find intelligent humor funny: things that you may have to think about for a second but in the end it is very “highbrow” humor. I don’t like movies like Bridesmaids or the Hangover, that is stupid humor but ironically those are my sisters’ favorite movies.
I absolutely love Big Bang Theory. Shelton is my favorite character.
Rene Descartes was on a plane and the flight attendant asks if he would like some orange juice. He replies, “I think not” and disappears.
Actor’s letter to Churchill “Here are two tickets to my opening night, invite a friend if you have one.”
Churchill’s Response: “Can’t possibly make it the first night but will attend the second if there is one.”
What is the rhetorical value of humor?
It can lighten the mood, and brain wise when your laugh your brain produces endorphins which helps you retain information better. Though according to Dorothy Markiewicz, humor doesn’t really have an effect on the audience’s attitude to the message. Though half the studies done said humorous messages were more interesting than serious ones.
Are there any drawbacks to using humor?
Humor can sometimes be insulting or people may not get it or think that it’s not funny as people have different views of what is humor. I didn’t find Cyclops funny I found it more sad and pitiable.
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