SFR - Satire Lesson

Satire Lesson

Satire is writing that pokes fun at society or human behavior, usually with the aim of improving it. Shows like Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons and the online newspaper The Onion regularly use satire to make their audiences laugh.

The resources below illustrate some examples of satire at work in The Simpsons and The Onion.

Satire in the Simpsons Video Link Links to an external site.

Satirical Online News: The Onion Link Links to an external site.

Listening Assignment

We are now going to look at two examples of satire. The original song, titled "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," is by Cyndi Lauper. Weird Al Yankovic took the song and created a satirical version called "Girls Just Wanna Have Lunch." Please listen to both versions.

After reading through the lyrics, how do you feel the songs are similar? How are they different? You should be able to point out the various examples of satire.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Video Link Links to an external site.  

Girls Just Wanna Have Lunch Lyrics Link Links to an external site.

Reading Assignment

Now, let's look at a satirical article. Read the article "Soap and the Campus: A Website Spoof." As you read, identify the elements of satire within the article. What do you think Joe Sabia meant when he said, "And it's hard not to like a show with a priest"? Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Now consider the following questions: What is the value of satire in political cartoons or other mediums that explore current events? How can satire benefit the individual, group, or event being made fun of? 

Soap and the Campus: A Website Spoof Text Link Links to an external site.

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.