Understanding Satire

Understanding Satire Presentation by Katie Holbrook Adapted by: Shakira Guillory

What is satire? • Satire: The use of humor to attack or ridicule something, such as a person, habit, idea, institution, society, or custom that is, or is considered to be, foolish, flawed, or wrong. • The goal of satire is to improve society and/or behavior. • Satire attempts through humor and laughter to inspire individuals, institutions, and humankind to improve or to encourage its readers to put pressure on individuals and institutions so that they may be improved for the benefit of all. • IN OTHER WORDS: A satire makes fun of something or someone in order to make a point.

Satirical “Advertisement” Analysis • Look at the satirical advertisement on the next slide and ask yourself: • What or who is the subject of the ad? • What comment is the ad making about society, or about people who choose to eat at McDonalds?

Satirical Ad:

Satirical Ad: Big Mac Attack • What comment is the satire making? • Big Macs and McDonald’s food are unhealthy and will eventually kill you by giving you a heart attack.

Satirical Techniques • There are certain techniques that satirists (writers of satire) use to create satire.

Satirical Techniques • Hyperbole is also known as (Exaggeration) • Definition: To enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes ridiculous and its faults can be seen. • A form of exaggeration is called Caricature: the exaggerating of physical traits

Satirical Techniques • Parody • Definition: To imitate the techniques and/or style of some person, place, or thing in order to ridicule the original. Parody of Rick James The real Rick James

Satirical Techniques • Reversal • Definition: To present the opposite of the normal order. • Reversal can focus on: • The order of events • Hierarchical order

Satirical Techniques • Oxymoron is also known as Contradiction • Definition: To present things that are out of place or are wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate in relation to its surroundings.

Satirical Techniques Other techniques: • Listing things • Silly or funny words • Sarcasm, which is a form of verbal irony • Understatement: writer conveys (shows) less importance/passion for a particular subject that would seem to demand more attention • Pun: a play on words for a humorous (funny) effect

Satirical Ad: Big Mac Attack • What techniques does the satire use? • Parody: the ad makes fun of the slogan “Big Mac Attack” by changing its meaning from wanting a Big Mac to dying from a heart attack

Satirical Ad: Big Mac Attack • What techniques does the satire use? • Contradiction: the McDonald’s golden arch or “M” is used on a heart monitor instead of where we normally see it (on signs, on ads, etc)

Satirical Ad: Big Mac Attack • What techniques does the satire use? • Exaggeration: while Big Macs are definitely unhealthy, one Big Mac will not cause a heart attack. Most likely, McDonald’s food is not the only cause of a person’s heart attack.

7 Deadly Sins: Pride Greed Violence Laziness Lust Jealousy Gluttony Other Vices (immoral or wicked behavior): Stupidity Poor decision making Prejudice Self-centeredness Selfishness Corruption Wastefulness Hypocrisy Dishonesty What do Satirists attack?

Assignment: • You will analyze satirical ads to determine: • The subject of the satire • The comment the satire is making • The technique(s) the satire uses to make its point • Why? Satire is prevalent in our culture and a critical way that people make statements about our world. Analyzing it in ads will prepare us to analyze satire in writing as well as to create our own satiric cartoons.

Complete a sheet of notebook paper & attach to these notes when complete Directions: • First, you will see the original advertisement. • Second, you will see the satire of the advertisement or company. • Write: • The subject matter of the satire • The comment the satire is trying to communicate • List all of the technique(s) used to satirize: • From the list you create, select ONLY ONE technique and explain the satire being used • Briefly explain (2-3 sentences) why you think the advertisement is either effective or not effective? Meaning, is the advertisement satire strong enough to persuade some people, or to make them think about the subject matter and change their views on it? Why or why not?

Satirical Ad #1 – original ad

Satirical Ad #1 • Subject of the satire: • 2. Comment the satire is making: • 3. Technique(s):

Satirical Ad #3 - original

Satirical Ad #3 “Less cars, more world. Rivers wanted.” • Subject of the satire: • 2. Comment the satire is making: • 3. Technique(s):

Satirical #5 – original ad

Extra Time? • If we have extra time, we will also analyze the following ads. • If not, turn in your assignment for a grade.

Understanding Satire