October 27. 2010

A closer look at humor reveals a

form that is always quintessentially

about that which it seems to be an

escape from, and hence a form that

is always already analytical, critical,

and rational...

Humor encourages criticism and reflection about prevailing systems of power.

Humor allows a relatively open space for critique and reflection, one that is rare in many societies.

But, seriously,

So What?!

Under the threat of war with France, Congress in 1798 passed four laws in an effort to strengthen the Federal government. Known collectively as the Alien and Sedition Acts, the legislation sponsored by the Federalists was also intended to quell any political opposition from the Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson.

Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798

Parody can become an important contributor to political discourse, encouraging critical viewing and healthy cynicism about the mediation of politics.

Espionage Act of 1917—

made it illegal to hinder recruiting or enlistment in the army; people who spoke up against the war were brought up on charges of interfering with enlistment.

Sedition Act of 1918—criminalized a range of expression, making it illegal to badmouth American government(smothered dissent)

Eugene V. Debs, prosecuted in 1917 under the Espionage Act for an antiwar speech and sent to prison.

The Red Scare of the 1950s

Senator Joe McCarthy.

McCarthyism

VS. Comedy

Mort Sahl, Jonathan

Winters, and

Lenny Bruce

“...and Lenny Bruce is

not afraid.”

~REM, “It’s the End of the World

as We Know It” (and I feel fine)

Satire’s calling card is the ability to produce social scorn or damning indictments through playful means and, in the process, transform the aggressive act of ridicule into the more socially acceptable act of rendering something (or someone) ridiculous.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-869183917758574879

•How would you diagram

this?

•How does it differ from

the comedic situation

connected with his show?

•How does it make you

feel watching it?

Satire demands a heightened state of awareness and mental participation in its audience (not to mention knowledge).

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-march-16-2010/in-dodd-we-trust

Eat that, Lars!