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Essay 4 - Satire

Essay 4 - Satire

For this assignment, you will choose a satirical article from the list below to analyze and respond to. 

Part 1
  • Select an article from the list below (these are pulled from 'The Onion,' a news media outlet dedicated to satire).
  • Answer three questions:
    • Who or what is the article attacking? (25-50 words)
    • Why is the article being attacked? (100-200 words)
    • What change does the article suggest is needed? What would make for a better world? (100-200 words)
  • Upload the complete document as a Word file in Times New Roman 12 point font. There is no need (yet) to include parenthetical citations or a References page.
Part 2
  • Conduct some research-- know the facts!
    • Decide what your position is on the article and issue it presents.
    • Do you agree with The Onion? Or do you disagree?
  • Develop a thesis (take a stand FOR the article you've selected or AGAINST the article's position). (200-250 words with citations, APA style)
  • Build three sub-claims to back your reasoning using your research sources. (250-300 words each with citations, APA style)
  • Craft a rebuttal paragraph objecting to your own position, but showing that even if the opposing argument has merit, it is not sufficient to refute your thesis (250-300 words with citations, APA style)
  • Craft a conclusion paragraph: what information have we gained? What's your ultimate point?
Part 3
  • Flesh out your three sub-claims using the Toulmin style of argument.
  • Back each sub-claim-- or ground-- with reasoning and evidence (your research). Each paragraph should be 250-300 words each with parenthetical citations in APA style.
    • Optionally, provide a warrant or a connection between your sub-claim and your thesis. It may already be implied in your writing.
Part 4
  • Assemble your paper per assignment instructions, including:
    • Title page
    • Your satirical argument (your translation of the satire)
    • Your response argument
    • Three grounds/evidence paragraphs, each quoting a research source
    • A rebuttal paragraph
    • Include a References page
  • Before submitting, review your essay for any logical fallacies (refer to module 4.3). Consider your audience and what types of appeals you are making-- will your audience understand the argument? Will the audience be convinced?
  • Review your essay for grammar, syntax, spelling, word usage, and tone.
  • Upload a .doc, .docx, PDF or RTF file of your essay and submit the assignment.

Satire

Satire

  • Holds up a critical lens to a societal issue or flaw
  • The work stands alone as a vehicle for the writer's message.
  • Not protected by Fair Use legally, because it's an original work.

 

Examples

What is Satire in Literature?

Satirical Articles on 'The Onion'

You may choose one of the following articles to focus on in your essay.

800,000 Privileged Youths Enlist To Fight In Iraq [CLASS, ECONOMY, POLITICS]

Blacks, Whites Put Differences Aside, Work Together To Make Better Burger [RACISM, CLASS, ECONOMY]

Call Of Duty 2 Gamer Wonders If War Is Worth Dying 79 Times For [ENTERTAINMENT, TECHNOLOGY]

Community Rallies Behind Struggling Corporation [LABOR, CLASS, ECONOMY]

Conspiracy Theorist Convinces Neil Armstrong Moon Landing Was Faked [MEDIA, TECHNOLOGY, CRITICAL THINKING]

Increasing Number of Parents Opting to Have Children School-Homed [EDUCATION, FAMILY, ECONOMY]

Latino Community Empowered By Coke Commercial [MEDIA, RACISM, ECONOMY, CULTURE]

Man Finally Put In Charge Of Struggling Feminist Movement [FEMINISM, MEDIA]

Millions Of Barrels Of Oil Safely Reach Port In Major Environmental Catastrophe [ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMY, MEDIA]

New Video Game Designed to Have No Influence on Kids’ Behavior [MEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT, EDUCATION]

New York to Install Special Infants Only Dumpsters [ECONOMY, POVERTY, CLASS, ETHICS]

Report: School Shootings Help Prepare Students For Being Shot In Real World [GUN VIOLENCE, EDUCATION, CULTURE]

Sony Unveils New Model Customer [MEDIA, TECHNOLOGY, CONSUMERISM]

Television, Processed Foods Couldn't Be More Proud Of Child They Raised [MEDIA, TECHNOLOGY, EDUCATION]

Terrifying Bill Passed During NBA Playoffs [POLITICS, MEDIA, SPORTS, CULTURE]

Underfunded Schools Forced To Cut Past Tense From Language Programs [EDUCATION]

U.S. Government To Discontinue Long-Term, Low-Yield Investment In Nation's Youth [POLITICS, ECONOMY, EDUCATION]

U.S. Inspires World With Attempt At Democratic Election [POLITICS, DEMOCRACY, ELECTIONS, FOREIGN RELATIONS]

U.S. Offers PlatinumPlus Preferred Citizenship [POLITICS, CLASS, ECONOMY, CULTURE]

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Parody

Parody

  • Distorts or imitates the features of an original work for laughs.
  • Pokes fun at and mimics a specific work.
  • Protected by Fair Use legally because it is a direct imitation of something else.

 

Examples

  • Weird Al's music (mimics specific tracks from other artists)
  • The Austin Powers movies (mimics 1960s spy movies)
  • Emily Knight's The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck (parodying Marie Kondo's book)

Satire on Television

Why is this satire?
This SNL spoof "commercial" uses exaggeration and humor as a vehicle for conveying a larger societal critique.

 

What's the real message?
This SNL skit critiques the oversimplification and one-dimensional depiction of women in media. It shows a woman with no apparent interests or concerns other than serving the men in front of her (regardless of their activity-- or lack thereof).

 

What does the satire suggest?

  • Women should pursue hobbies and interests, cultivating depth outside of serving the men in their orbit.
  • What if the woman is also a sports fan? (Stereotyping)
  • Where else in popular culture do we see women presented as flat and oversimplified?

source: https://engagingandeffective.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Copy-of-SNL-Satire.pdf

Citing Sources

APA Citation Resources

Citation Generators

  • CiteFast - Fast and free citation generator for MLA, APA, and Chicago Styles
  • EasyBib - Creates citations in APA, MLA and Chicago styles.
  • Citation Machine - Creates citations in APA, MLA and Chicago styles.

MS Word:  After you open your Word document, use the "References" tab to access their citation builder.  Includes MLA, APA, and Chicago, among others.

Some Wisdom

"Satire is a lesson; parody is a game." -Vladimir Nabokov