Examples of Satire in the Media

Finding examples of satire in almost everything you see or read can be quite easy, if you know what you are looking for. Satire as defined is a technique of writing which basically ridicules its subjects in a way that is supposed to be funny and witty. Satire is used immensely in film and television not only to make a critical point, but to make the audience laugh. Let’s face it; there is rarely anything more funny then when someone is making fun of someone or something else in a way that is not derogatory or cruel.

One of the best television shows to find examples of satire is of course one of the most humorous television shows ever made, Saturday Night Live. During the news portion particularly, they take satire to show some of the worst traits of celebrities, as well as politicians in the news. Current events are constantly used for satire purposes, not only to get the audience laughing but to make people aware of actual important events in a comical way.

Another very popular example of satire comes in the form of music. If you remember the 1980’s and early 1990’s at all, then you will of course remember Weird Al Yankovich. He took the most popular songs like “Beat It” by Michael Jackson, and “Like A Virgin” by Madonna and made them into utterly hysterical satirical songs like “Eat It” and “Like A Surgeon.” He has taken his craft to huge heights with over 150 songs that are completely based on satirical lyrics. There was such simplicity in the words that he sang that it made the satire relate to almost anyone listening to his music.

When it comes to films, you can almost always find examples of satire in horror films that like to make fun of other horror films, such as Scary Movie. Scary Move one through four exaggerated the very common techniques used in everyday horror movies, so that it wasn’t scary, just humorous. It was such a popular example of satire that the producers are now working another edition of Scary Movie to keep the audiences chuckling.

Examples of satire should be looked for, not only for comedic reaction but because they are often out to show you something, whether it is good, bad, or political. Some satire is just for pure amusement in the media, but other satire is there for you to learn. Many Americans in particular are on “news overload” so much of the time, that when something important is ready to be said, no one is actually listening. That is why the media likes to put a spin on the everyday humdrum events and spice it up. With shows like Saturday Night Live, singers like Weird Al Yankovich, and films such as Scary Movie, one thing is for sure. We will never have a lack of material in which to laugh at.