SatirePlease take Cornell Notes

1. Definition:

The use of language to ridicule or make fun of human weaknesses, vices, or stupidity, with the hope of bringing about social reform and repair to mankind’s ways.

Bell Ringer: Did You Know…

Farm workers are tired of being blamed by politicians and anti-immigrant activists for taking work that “should go” to Americans and dragging down the economy, said Arturo Rodriguez, the president of the United Farm Workers of America.

Continued…

So the group encouraged the unemployed — and any Washington pundits or anti-immigrant activists who wanted to join them — to apply for the some of thousands of agricultural jobs being posted with state agencies for harvest season.

Continued…

According to the Labor Department, three out of four farm workers were born abroad, and more than half are illegal immigrants.

Proponents of tougher immigration laws have argued that farmers have become used to cheap labor and don't want to raise wages enough to draw in other workers.

Continued…

Wellllll…only 16 people applied for the job.

Are immigrants really taking away?

Think about the working conditions.

One of those 16 people was comedian and political funny man, Stephen Colbert. Here’s his address to Congress.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1T75jBYeCs

2. How do author’s use satire?

Exaggeration:◦An OVERSTATEMENT. Often used to make someone/something appear absurd.

Irony:◦When something is expected, but the opposite is what really happens.

A few years ago this satirical New Yorker cover caused great controversy. Do you think the article inside was critical or sympathetic of Obama?

What’s exaggerated in this cartoon? What’s ironic? Now…what’s the target?

All Write Round Robin

In your cooperative groups, take turns writing examples of satire from these clips.

Next, write WHY this seen is satirical.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57dzaMaouXA

Another example…

Jane Lynch Members Project Commercial "Don't Be A Sue" – YouTube

Be prepared to talk about how this clip is satirical.

I hope you have a better understanding of satire. Now, let’s read about our author.