Siara's Thoughts on Satire
- Siara Carpenter
- Sep 23, 2023
- 1 min read
My comfort show is Bojack Horseman. To some people this is alarming, to others it is understandable. The plot of the show revolves around a depressed, alcoholic horse that is a washed up actor. Bojack represents most celebrities, and his friends represent other celebrities and personality types. This is my favorite show because it discusses so many things that society is afraid to approach. This show talks about abortion, gun violence, grooming, addiction, assault, fair wages, family trauma and more. While it is funny, it is genuinely tasteful in the ways that it tackles these issues.
I love satire because of how tasteful it is. Things are funny but also thought provoking. However, sometimes people do not realize that they are the target audience. Some people are viewers who can empathize with the character's struggles, others are viewers who see themselves in the character and do not realize that anything that they are doing is wrong. But because satire is so "coded" blatantly saying THIS IS ABOUT YOU does not work. Its subtlety makes it something for those who are in the know to enjoy. Things are offensive are shown in a funny, creative and tasteful way which make it enjoyable. I love shows like Bojack Horseman, Rick and Morty, and The Boondocks because of the effective use of satire.
Your thoughts on satire in Bojack Horseman raise some interesting points and discussion over the usage of satire in our society. I think satire presents important topics in a more digestible manner for the average person. At least in America, we can assume that most of the population isn’t interested in consciously reading about topics and critically thinking about them. However, when satire is being fed to them via television, I think it’s a great way to expand people’s minds who normally wouldn’t be reading into important topics during their own time. Do you think it can be a powerful tool to influence people’s perceptions on social issues?
I never thought of Satire in the educational manner you describe; however, it is one of the most accessible ways to get a point across to an audience. The only problem lies within the contradiction you wrote– viewers never believe they are the problem. Honestly, this is the way things are for a lot of people in todays world. Maybe this is why satirical shows keep getting made? viewers enjoy being called out... even if they dont know they are? You've given me a lot to think about.