In the political turmoil of mid-1990s Britain, a brilliant young comic named Harry Enfield set out to satirize the ideology and politics of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. His parodies became famous. He wrote and performed a vicious sendup of the typical Thatcherite nouveau riche buffoon. People loved it. And what happened? Exactly the opposite of what Enfield hoped would happen. In an age dominated by political comedy, “The Satire Paradox” asks whether laughter and social protest are friends or foes.
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08/18/16 • 36 min
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Revisionist History - The Satire Paradox
Transcript
Pushkin. It was the middle of the eighties and missus Thatcher was the prime minister here and she was very popular with the sort of working classes and things, and not with the lefty middle classes like me. Harry Enfield, one of England's best known comedians. He's talking about where he got the inspiration for his most famous character, A response to the imperious Margaret Thatcher with her barb and pearls, who unleashed American style capitali
The Satire Paradox Top Questions Answered
How did Harry Enfield's character "Loads of Money" come about?
Harry Enfield created the character "Loads of Money" as a response to Margaret Thatcher's reign in the UK, symbolizing the excessive wealth and materialism that emerged during the 1980s building boom.
What is the purpose of satire?
Satire allows for the expression of controversial opinions that might not be accepted in serious discourse, and it has the power to reach a wide audience by going to places that serious discourse cannot.
How was Stephen Colbert's satirical character perceived by liberals and conservatives?
Stephen Colbert's satirical character on "The Colbert Report" was seen differently by liberals and conservatives, highlighting biased perception and the subjective nature of satire.
Does satire bring about lasting change in society?
Satire does not always change minds or have a lasting impact on society, as its effectiveness can vary depending on the audience and the subject matter.
How does satire divert attention from the actual issues being discussed?
Satire requires interpretation and can divert attention from the actual issues being discussed, as the focus may shift towards the comedic elements rather than the underlying problems.
What are the potential drawbacks of satire?
Satire can be undermined by the laughter it generates, which can distract from the seriousness of the subject matter, potentially diluting the impact of the satire.
How did Tina Fey's satire of Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live fare?
Tina Fey's satire of Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live may have failed to effectively scrutinize Palin due to its focus on humor, potentially overshadowing the critical examination of her political views.
How does the intense political situation in Israel influence satire?
A television show in Israel called A Wonderful Country engages in more political and rugged satire due to the country's intense political situation, pushing the boundaries of satire and aiming to make a significant impact with its sketches.
What does the sketch "The Children's Movement" from A Wonderful Country highlight?
The sketch "The Children's Movement" from A Wonderful Country highlights the absurd arguments and lack of hope in Israeli politics, using satire to critique the situation in a satirical manner.
What should satire strive to achieve?
Satire should have the courage to address serious issues and aim to make a lasting impact, provoking thought and sparking conversations about important subjects.
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