I recently watched a video from The Onion, a newspaper organization that makes satirical videos and articles. The video I watched was about a teenage girl being euthanized because she was only capable of texting and rolling her eyes. It was pretty funny to me and most of the comments felt the same way. However, a few comments expressed concern about whether this was true or not and if it was illegal. This made me realize how satire could possibly be dangerous, although one of its purposes is just to entertain people. People with strong feelings on the debate about the ethics behind euthanasia could be shocked that the video was downplaying something that decides whether a person lives or not. We've also been taught that satire points out flaws in society but I'm not sure what flaw this video was pointing out. Maybe it was the stereotype that teenagers don't do much besides using their phones? It could have been that parents overreact about teenagers' behavior too but it a little ambiguous on the issue it was mocking.
I have been reading some satirical articles and most of them were clear on what issue they were addressing. The humor was also funny and really showed how wrong certain things were and how change is necessary. It made me think about how if these opinions are recognized and popular, why has change not been brought about in our society? I also read some comics from a website called The Oatmeal which claimed its comics to be satire that should be taken lightly. But I had mixed feeling to what extent it was satire, some of the content seemed offensive even if its meant to be funny.
I have been reading some satirical articles and most of them were clear on what issue they were addressing. The humor was also funny and really showed how wrong certain things were and how change is necessary. It made me think about how if these opinions are recognized and popular, why has change not been brought about in our society? I also read some comics from a website called The Oatmeal which claimed its comics to be satire that should be taken lightly. But I had mixed feeling to what extent it was satire, some of the content seemed offensive even if its meant to be funny.
I agree. While satire may seem harmless to the general viewer, those who can actually relate to it may feel uncomfortable about it. I saw the video as well, I thought it was about how teenagers communicate on their phones so much that they rendered themselves incapable to physically speak.
ReplyDeleteI also saw the video and found it more funny, but I could see how one may find it offensive. I think the video was making fun of teenagers behavior. When I read the comments it seemed that most people understood it was a joke, but satire can be misunderstood very easily.
ReplyDeleteWhile the video was humorous, it was made in a way that persuaded the viewers to believe that it was somewhat real. I personally think this is very dangerous because if the issue that the writer is talking about is controversial, people will definitely take it the wrong way.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that satire is appropriate in certain amounts and in certain situations. I think thatnin certain amounts satire can be moving and effective but with too much satire it can be destructive and offensive. However, I also believe that the happy medium can be the most effective way to open minds to politics or issues.
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