edit for suraya_PhD only

Alazzam 1

Alazzam 2

Othman Alazzam

Prof. Matthew Sage

CMTC 305 (WIP)

28, November 2018

Satire through “The Real Time with Bill Maher” A television case study

Satire is a form of art that can point out deficiencies in daily life behaviours and social issues within a community, in a manner that is absurd and hilarious through entertainment forum but also to impact a social change in behaviour. To relay social and political issues affecting a country satire takes its form through critiques, irony, and implicitness to convey critical messages that are salient to the ordinary citizens to provoke change in the minds and action. History indicates that satire in literature has lived along with major unfolding political events and it is the job of professional satirists to illuminate these the unknown facts in the society (Reimann, 2016). Usually, the categories that benefit from satire include a political scenario with leaders who abuse power, societies that have social problems, flawed customs, and blundering citizens (LaMarre et al., 2009). The modern history of political satire can be traced back to ancient Greece where Aristophanes used satire to criticize the Athenian society for its social standard. Analysis of satire and its application in politics is seen in the “Real Time with Bill Maher”: a popular HBO TV program that uses comedy and humour while discussing politics. The satire genre has been useful in sending a political message to the public and the elected government because it uses comedy and humour that attract the attention of the audience.

Satire in literature started when there was a need to have the audience listen. Humour eases tension and entices the audience to be more receptive to what is said. Satire is a genre dedicated to social-literature criticism that makes use of comedic elements (Reimann, 2016). The ancient origin of satire was in the 7th-century B.C.E where satirical works already had a profound effect on the audience. Archilochus “who is a Greek Poet” reportedly used satire to drive an entire family into suicide. Archilochus and Aristophanes “who is a comedy playwright” are noted to have assisted in building the foundation of Western comedy and use of satire in films. The duo produced literature in the form of poems that humorously critiqued the society.

The term satire is a Latin word ‘Sature’. The term originated from Greeks, but Latin authors were the first to adopt the genre. Satire was extensively used by Roman poets in the first Century BCE and CE to depict Horatian or Juvenalian wordplay (Island n.d). The wordplay for Juvenal was considered as harsh with a high level of mockery and ridicule to the targeted society or person. Roman satirists passed this genre to Europeans. In the 14th century for example, satirical manuscripts occurring in the funny Canterbury Tales by Chaucer took effect towards the contemporary English Society. The Renaissance & Neoclassical writers used significant satire in their entertainment works. Notably, John Donne (1572-1631) used the genre in his various interests of literature including religion and spirituality. In the 17th and 18th B.C, the neoclassic society found satire a genre for everyday political use. Artists of the neoclassical period found roots. Comment by Leslie Hurtado: Page number Comment by Leslie Hurtado: Author last name and page number. And, make sure you cite at the end of the sentence.

Satire has a broad definition: In literature, satire is considered a genre that uses performing arts, graphic, follies, vices, shortcomings. Satire is used to ridicule people in power. Satire in comedy intends to shame individuals, politicians, governments and the society. The purpose of such ridicule is to entice the society to improve their actions, governance of leadership. Satire in comedy creates humour, but it also offers an excellent purpose for constructive social criticism; hence drawing attention to both specific and broader societal issues. From this definition of satire, “The Real Time with Bill Maher” television show perfectly fits this definition. Bill Maher is a stand-up comedian who performs social commentary but uses satire to drive the points of his messages to the audience.

Satire in literature was used as a tool to change people’s behaviour. Satirical writers take the moralistic worldview as compared to the absurd worldview that exudes certainty in a political setting. Satire has been used as the humorous look of the topic of discussion or debate with the following goals: First, it demystified the character and made the audience comfortable with the topic. Tricking the audience considers the use of immutable characters that are considered best for the scene as compared to the alternative. Second, satire aims at tricking the audience into considering political certainty as issues that no longer require imitation; hence providing room for addressing severe public concerns. Satire and postmodernism have been considered together, but the two are different on the basis that Satire is considered a mindset that leads an individual to appreciating the political uncertainties of the subject matter.

As Colletta notes satire is misunderstood in literature terms: terms applied broadly in media. (AUTHOR, AND PAGE NUMBER HERE) The term satire is considered more mocking as compared to its function. Another mistake the majority of fictional and literal writers make is replacing satire with irony or using irony in the place of satire. Although, much of the humour in popular culture is ironic, the traditional use of irony is different from satire. Irony has been used to reveal the real appearance of than what is exposed. The use of irony reveals the real appearances that are different, but the function of the subject remains unchanged. Comment by Leslie Hurtado: Who?

On the other hand, satire embraces incoherence that reveals lack of meaning. A reality constructed with the meaning of life is understood and constructed differently. Such constructions create awareness that replaces the appearance and show the participation of differential results of the use of media platform. To demonstrate the use of satire in films, this paper analysis “Real Time with Bill Maher” presents comedy while discussing politics. To develop the show, Bill Maher never lack ideas. His focus on politics suggests that he bring fresh ideas in the writing room. He does this by asking people in the street which politicians are making headlines. In his show, Trump is a guest all the time, not because he is president, for the reason that his name is a conversation starter. Maher strives to invite specific people to his show. His preference to invite liberal-minded and a conservative-minded guests is for the reason that he invited two political parties to inflict an argument between them through the use of comedy. Liberal and conservatives are likely to disagree on television, although the reasons for disagreeing cannot be entirely disagreeable.

Jeffrey Jones believed that “The Real Time with Bill Maher” was the new form of political/social satire. Maher had previous experience from “The Politically Incorrect Show,” his current show that airs in a different platform, allowed him to use blue language that most prefer. Blue language resonates well with comedy, which is the identification feature of this program. An example of blue language laden with satire and political incorrectness includes the phrase “Bad Presidents Happen to Good People” (Jones, 84). With such statements, the audience can also determine that Maher proclaimed himself as a liberal advocate; hence. he would want the audience to be liberals. The long-time interaction with politicians, in addition to the long-term political show gives him a direct advantage to satirize and ridicule the powerful people in society. Bill Maher said, “When people are bloated with pomposity religiosity, arrogance, and thirst for power, that’s the perfect time for comedy” (Jones, 86). Comment by Leslie Hurtado: Who is he? Tell me who he is. Comment by Leslie Hurtado: Did he say this?

In America, satire has taken on the center stage in ironically criticizing political behaviours in television shows (Swayne, 2018). The “Real Time with Bill Maher” raises eyebrows because of the perceived divisive presentation of political parties. For example, portraying a presidential candidate or president-elect as the spawn of orangutans divides the audience over such statements. Audiences feel that satire cannot enhance their interests or change of opinion on politics (Ferré-Pavia, Sintes & Gayà, 2016).

Nevertheless, political satire is a dominant form of art that is gaining popularity and effectiveness in criticizing U.S. politics (Swayne, 2018). For example, in “The Real Time with Bill Maher,” the presenter uses a derivative meaning of a “wall” to interject a speech of the president. The presenter satirically uses the wall to imply barriers to national growth: unisex relationships, marriage, and snow. Other barriers require a more in-depth look at divisions from colour and people deprived of living. On one angle, one may view the presenter to be portraying the president as cynical in his speech.us fostering inefficiency, alienation from norms of information and cynicism.

News through satirical presentation is meant to provide raw material to the citizens to form their own public opinions, and it also alerts them of trending behaviours that are not palatable in any democratic state for purposes of deciding on politics (Lee & Chyi, 2014). To decide on presenting broadcasted news depends on its considerable persuasive effect to the audiences to invoke them accept to the call of the message of change (Ferré-Pavia, Sintes & Gayà, 2016). In the May 18, 2018, the presentation of “Real Time with Bill Maher” TV Show,” criticizes the perception that the president is above the law, which would imply that the president can trample on the nation’s legislature, even when he should be protecting the citizens and their properties. The presenter puts across a message for consideration which is “Checks and balances” as the important role of the president, state organizations, and the citizens must endeavour while leading the way of success and not destruction. The audiences, in this case, are subjected to rational thinking on current issues as opposed to just listening to speeches because most political information comes from politicians. Thus, corresponding to the publication by Ferré-Pavia, Sintes & Gayà, satire ties closer to real events than political figures speaking on issues (PAVIA AND PAGE NUMBER). Satire informs the audiences of happenings for their comprehension and understanding: For example, in May 11, 2018, in “The Bill Maher Show,” the presidents are projected audibly and are surrounded with lawyers, and family members. Comment by Leslie Hurtado: Explain better.

Satire in television depicts cartoons on Muhammad in the Muslim states. The Muslim and Arabic countries have many homegrown Satirists who poke fun reactionaries, autocrats, and jihads. The writers in these states explain further where the line for Satirists is drawn and hence, there is not much to laugh about in the Middle East. There is mayhem, death, repression, war, dictatorship, and terrorism, which have become everyday experiences in the Middle East. The politics and democracies in the Middle East are not comparable to the U.S., where was watching comedy shows on politics is an everyday occurrence.

Saudi Arabia to Palestine, Iraqi and all the Islamic States poking fun, stand-up comics grinning and putting up with a corrupt government and Israel’s occupation is alive. In Syria, the use of satire as a political weapon is dangerous as those who practice it will choose their target at their own risk. For the recent three years, there has been unrest in Syria: political enemies became a fair game for cartoonists, television sketches and the campaigns in the social media (Ahmed, 2013).

From Saudi Arabia to Palestine, Iraqi, and all Islamic States poking fun, stand-up comics grinning and putting up with Israel`s corrupt government is alive. In Syria, the use of satire as a political weapon is dangerous, as those who practice it will choose their target at their own risk. For three years, there has been unrest in Syria: political enemies became a fair game for cartoonists, television sketches and the campaigns in the social media (Ahmed, 2013).

An internationally renowned cartoonist, Ali Farzat had once poked fun at Bashar al-Assad: He drew an image of a Syrian leader who was sweating while carrying a suitcase. Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi who was ousted, did not find himself lucky (Salamandra, 2011). He was ambushed into a vehicle and severely beaten, and his hands were broken, and he was reminded by those who attacked him. This has made the satirists in Libya to restrict themselves from targets (Ahmed, 2013).

The Isis group which has taken control of a section of Syria’s north and the south, which has been a target of satirical attacks by the opposition of ruling parties. Using comic sketches and drawing cartoons, television run by the state has attacked the Isis group. Criticizing Islam has ever remained a no-go zone. Jordan is no different, the use of satire and political comics on television or even in social media is something that does not often occur. In Jordan, citizens do not have the freedom to speak. When in use, political satire in Jordan has been a way of poking fun of the elected government authorities and their failure to deliver on local issues. Unlike in regions like the U.S., in Jordan satirists use an indirect reference to tackle taboos and consider going against the restrictive laws that inhibit freedom of speech. Jordanian satirists deliver their satire through simple and indirect bitter criticism of their country’s economy, politics, and social scenery. The indirect use of satire and prohibited freedom of speech was evident when Roya TV was established in 2011. Roya TV is a liberal television channel where young Jordanian comedians speak on their opinions regarding local and regional politics. Roya TV attempted to air satirical shows such as 7aki Jarayed, which was was banned. 7aki Jarayed were constricted in asking Jordanian common citizens on their opinion on various topics including poverty, refugees, politics, reform, and Israel identity. Since the ban of 7aki Jarayed, comedy shows in Jordan will not compare to the freedom comedy writers having in America.

Historically, satire has been used in different ways to send a political message to the public and the government because comedy and humor attract the audience. Satire informs citizens of current issues in politics, social set up, and general human behaviors. If satire is misused, comedic elements can cause division on a political basis. Audience’s perception on satirical messages depends on the way a presenter relays the messages and the relevance of the issue presented. Satirical shows serve as secondary sources of information for the society. With reference to "The Real Time with Bill Maher," Bill continues to air current events with a forum for witty political, social and economic commentators. Sometimes, Maher’s show presents satire that may conflict with the society’s social and political standing, but this depends on the audience `s political views. Political and social activities are changing, and the voiceless are increasingly gaining exposure to the media. Maher was criticized for making errors in his show, but over the years, he has been presenting comedy sewn into real-time events.

Works Cited

Ahmed, A. S. (2013). Postmodernism and Islam: Predicament and promise. Routledge.

Balmas, M. (2014). When fake news becomes real: Combined exposure to multiple news Comment by Leslie Hurtado: Is this properly cited?

sources and political attitudes of inefficacy, alienation, and cynicism. Communication Research, 41(3), 430-454.

Colleta, L. (2009). Political Satire and Postmodern Irony in the Age of Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart. Wiley Online Library. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5931.2009.00711.x

Ferré-Pavia, C., Sintes, M., & Gayà, C. (2016). The perceived effects of televised political

satire among viewers and the communication directors of political parties: A European case. European Journal of Cultural Studies, 19(4), 299–317. 

Island, L. Satire: its style, types and devices. Retrieved on November 25, 2018 from http://www.cssforum.com.pk/css-optional-subjects/group-v/english-literature/34302-satire-its-styles-types-devices.html. May 31. 2010.

Lee, A. M., & Chyi, H. I. (2014). Motivational consumption model: Exploring the

psychological structure of news use. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 91(4), 706-724.

LaMarre, Heather L., Kristen D. Landreville, and Michael A. Beam. "The irony of satire: Political ideology and the motivation to see what you want to see in The Colbert Report." The International Journal of Press/Politics 14.2 (2009): 212-231.

Real Time with Bill Maher’ TV Shows (May 15, 2014). Bill Maher VS Donald Trump

Retrieved from https://youtu.be/vuP1e0RNF-0

Real Time with Bill Maher’ TV Shows (February 2, 2018). Trump’s Wall of Lies. Retrieved

from https://youtu.be/wAJUZRZBdlM

Real Time with Bill Maher’ TV Shows (May 11, 2018). New Rule: Married to the mob.

Retrieved from https://youtu.be/L4Tu4MKeOx8

Real Time with Bill Maher’ TV Shows (May 18, 2018). New Rule: Trump is Above the Law

retrieved from https://youtu.be/3RYb72FPzzc

Real Time with Bill Maher’ TV Shows (November 16, 2018). Monologue: Burning Down

the House. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/Ptiy_ZNAxcc

Swayne, M (November 26, 2018). Satire is shaping the next generation of American citizens.

Retrieved from https://news.psu.edu/story/143606/2012/12/19/research/satire-shaping-next-generation-american-citizens Comment by Leslie Hurtado: FIX

Salamandra, C. (2011). Spotlight on the Bashār al-Asad Era: The television drama outpouring. Middle East Critique, 20(2), 157-167.

Reimann, M. A brief History of Satire. January 26. 2016

Maher, B. (2018). Real Time with Bill Maher. Aired October.