I think most people would agree with you, @Geoffrey, but I find myself watching Oliver less and less because I simply can't laugh at what he's talking about. I think the rise of Fascism in the US since 2016 has really changed the ecosystem--what does satire even mean, if the response of the evildoers is to shrug and do it more? For satir…
I think most people would agree with you, @Geoffrey, but I find myself watching Oliver less and less because I simply can't laugh at what he's talking about. I think the rise of Fascism in the US since 2016 has really changed the ecosystem--what does satire even mean, if the response of the evildoers is to shrug and do it more? For satire to have a salutary effect, the object of scorn has to possess a baseline of shame that Oliver's targets increasingly don't, and so his "deep dives" frequently feel to me like trauma-magnifiers...which can dispel political activity as much as kindle it.
I wish we lived in a world where evil doers would feel shame, but I think satirical shows like LWT can serve the purpose of educating and activating the public. I always enjoy when they have a direct call to action, where they tell their viewers to call a congressman, donate to a cause, etc., and it makes a difference.
I agree, though, sometimes these shows get depressing. But I’d rather watch a smart, funny British man tell me America is fucked with jokes than watch talking heads scream talking points at each other.
I think most people would agree with you, @Geoffrey, but I find myself watching Oliver less and less because I simply can't laugh at what he's talking about. I think the rise of Fascism in the US since 2016 has really changed the ecosystem--what does satire even mean, if the response of the evildoers is to shrug and do it more? For satire to have a salutary effect, the object of scorn has to possess a baseline of shame that Oliver's targets increasingly don't, and so his "deep dives" frequently feel to me like trauma-magnifiers...which can dispel political activity as much as kindle it.
I wish we lived in a world where evil doers would feel shame, but I think satirical shows like LWT can serve the purpose of educating and activating the public. I always enjoy when they have a direct call to action, where they tell their viewers to call a congressman, donate to a cause, etc., and it makes a difference.
I agree, though, sometimes these shows get depressing. But I’d rather watch a smart, funny British man tell me America is fucked with jokes than watch talking heads scream talking points at each other.