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When does satire go too far?

When does satire go too far?. Satire has merits beyond just being funny – it delivers clear and relevant social commentary. But are there lines that satire shouldn’t cross?. English 10: British Literature Mr. Ambrose. Today’s Objectives.

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When does satire go too far?

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  1. When does satire go too far? Satire has merits beyond just being funny – it delivers clear and relevant social commentary. But are there lines that satire shouldn’t cross? English 10: British Literature Mr. Ambrose

  2. Today’s Objectives • To examine some contemporary examples of satire and determine if their message is lost because of its offensive delivery. • To assess whether Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” is effective satire, or whether, perhaps like some of today’s examples, it “goes too far.”

  3. Borat’s “Throw the Jew Down the Well” Click link to show video (about three minutes). Sacha Baron Cohen is actually Jewish, but does his message combating anti-Semitism clearly come through in this piece? What role do the audience members listening to Borat play in the satire?

  4. South Park Click link for video (about six minutes). Is it ever OK to make fun of someone’s religion for satirical purposes? How is Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s commentary on religion similar to Swift’s?

  5. The Colbert Report Click link to show video (about five minutes). Do you think that Sarah Palin’s definition of “satire” is an accurate one? How does Colbert satirize this definition? Is it ever OK to use the word “retard” for satirical purposes?

  6. Sassy Gay Friend Click link to show video (about one minute). Is it ever OK to use stereotypes in satire? This is a great summary of Romeo and Juliet, but it could be considered offensive by some. Would it ever be OK to use in class?

  7. So…what’s off limits for satire? • Sexuality • Religion • Pregnancy/Abortion • Race (The “N” Word) • Disabilities • Politics • The Holocaust and other Genocides • War • “Too soon?” (Michael Jackson’s death)

  8. Modest Proposal • Many readers (like Andrea B. and Andrea G. in period 4) were more than a bit disturbed by Swift’s suggestion that we eat babies – they actually asked if we could stop reading the essay. • Did Swift’s essay go to far in its use of satire if readers were actually so disgusted that they wanted to put down the essay? • Did these readers, then, miss out on Swift’s message? • Is this one of the dangers of satire?

  9. Tonight’s Homework • Standard • List 5 ideas for your own original satire. • This could be a skit, article, essay, video, etc. • Try to include topic AND your satirical approach. • Honors • List 3 ideas for satirical articles. • List 3 ideas for satirical videos. • List 3 ideas for your own Modest Proposal. • Must include topic AND your satirical approach.

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