Blazing Saddles is one of Mel Brooks many films that poke fun at not only the entertainment industry, but society as a whole as well. Released in 1974, it is a parody of the classic "Western" film that had been popularized by the likes of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, to name a few. It stars Cleavon Little, a black railroad worker who was sentenced to hang after he struck his white boss in the head with a shovel. In the mean time, a little town called Rock Ridge was raided by the railroad company to attempt to drive them out of the town. The raid killed the sheriff of Rock Ridge, which forced the incredibly incompetent and oversexed Governor of the unnamed state to appoint a new sheriff for Rock Ridge. The Attorney General, who is in the pockets of the railroad company, decided that the best way to get everyone in Rock Ridge to abandon it so they could finish the railroad, decided to appoint Cleavon Little's character as the sheriff of Rock Ridge, which is all white and very racist. The rest of the movie shows the relationship that Cleavon Little and the people of Rock Ridge develop so that they may keep their town and livelihood. The "N"-word is used often throughout this movie, as well as other racist terms. Ultimately, this movie is an attempt to show how rediculous stereotypes about different races are, and pokes fun at the way that we percieve each other.
Brooks, Mel, dir. Blazing Saddles. 1974. Warner Brothers. YouTube. 6 Feb. 2008. 24 Feb. 2009.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Extras
Ricky Gervais' follow-up to his original version of "The Office" was "Extras," the story of Andy Millman's (Gervais) pursuit of fame. Millman works as an extra on various movies being shot in England. As his career progresses he is offered bigger parts, such as theater roles and even the lead role in a low-brow sitcom. A recurring theme throughout the course of the series 12-episode run is Andy's desire to be famous while producing work he is actually proud of. Every episode of the show has various famous guest stars and they play parodies of themselves, further skewering what it means to be famous and successful. One example of this is Kate Winslet, who in the episode is playing the role of a nun during the Holocaust. She explains that the only reason she took the role was to win an Oscar. Ironically, in real life (nearly four years after Winslet's appearance on Extras), Kate Winslet won her first Academy Award for playing the role of a concentration camp guard during the Holocaust. At the end of the series, Millman learns what is truly important in life and re-examines his views on fame and celebrity.
Gervais, Ricky, and Stephen Merchant. "Kate Winslet." Extras. BBC-2. London, England. 4 Aug. 2005.
Gervais, Ricky, and Stephen Merchant. "Kate Winslet." Extras. BBC-2. London, England. 4 Aug. 2005.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Bush Repeals English Language
Borowitz, Andy. “Bush Repeals English Language.” 19 January 2009. Viewed 23 February 2009.
This satire reminds everyone how great former President Bush’s use of the English language has been. It states that I his last official act Bush repealed the English language and then outlined how this has been the culmination of eight years spent trying to eliminate various parts of the language. The article also pokes fun at Sarah Palin by ending with a “quote” by her in which she states that she is glad that the language which has caused many problems will no longer be allowed to do so.
Andy Borowitz as his own website where he frequently posts work of satire. He is also a standup comedian and creator of the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
This satire reminds everyone how great former President Bush’s use of the English language has been. It states that I his last official act Bush repealed the English language and then outlined how this has been the culmination of eight years spent trying to eliminate various parts of the language. The article also pokes fun at Sarah Palin by ending with a “quote” by her in which she states that she is glad that the language which has caused many problems will no longer be allowed to do so.
Andy Borowitz as his own website where he frequently posts work of satire. He is also a standup comedian and creator of the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Turkish McDonalds Commercial
Turkish McDonalds Commercial is made to advertise new regional product of McDonalds and it uses the Turkish culture to show the significance of the product in a humorous way. The accent of the narrator and the examples that are given are unique to the Turkish culture.
McDonalds. "Turkish McDonalds Commercial." YouTube. 04.12.07. 02.23.09. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbE0N65yjXU>.
Choices for a Barack Obama Cabinet
Cameron, Chris. “Choices for a Barack Obama Cabinet.” 6 November 2008. Viewed: 21 February 2009.
This short satirical column outlines who Obama should choose for various cabinet positions. The piece briefly comments on many problems the country is facing such as the economy and education in addition to poking fun at some people in the national spotlight such as Jesse Jackson and Ron Paul. The author also seems to be commenting on the fact that just because someone is technically qualified for a job doesn’t mean they are the best choice.
Chris Cameron posts a new article every Thursday on Radioactive Liberty.
This short satirical column outlines who Obama should choose for various cabinet positions. The piece briefly comments on many problems the country is facing such as the economy and education in addition to poking fun at some people in the national spotlight such as Jesse Jackson and Ron Paul. The author also seems to be commenting on the fact that just because someone is technically qualified for a job doesn’t mean they are the best choice.
Chris Cameron posts a new article every Thursday on Radioactive Liberty.
Dr. Steve Allen Jr. at the NIH
Many have heard about Comedian Steve Allen, but not so many know his son doctor and comedian Steve Allen Jr. He is a certified family physician from New York. He is also coordinator of the course Introduction to Clinical Medicine at the College of Medicine of the State University of New York - Health Science Center in Syracuse, New York. He has inherited his father’s comedy and humor and combines it with his professional practice to yield a unique combination. He believes that laughter can reduce stress and make you feel better. As in this lecture/training Dr. Allen’s audiences actually get into the act as he invites everyone to explore the 3 year old playful person inside each of us. Some themes tackled are:
•Coping With Change
•Stress Management
•Relaxation For Health Through Creative Silliness
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Celebrity Trial Jury Selection
"Celebrity Trial Jury Selection ." Chappelle's Show. Dave Chappelle Perf. Comedy Central, 22 APR 2004.
In this skit from his Comedy Central show, Dave Chappelle plays a prospective jury member being interviews by lawyers for the trials of Michael Jackson, Robert Blake, and R. Kelly. Throughout the clip, Chappelle pokes fun at the three men for their respective crimes and for personal issues as well. He defends Michael Jackson, but makes fun of characteristics such as his nose and obsession with glitter, but in the end says he would never let his son sleep with the man. Later, Chappelle says that he has seen R. Kelly's sex tape 80 times and tells the attorneys what it would take for him to believe R. Kelly is guilty. Chappelle ends making a statement about the entire US legal system.
In this skit from his Comedy Central show, Dave Chappelle plays a prospective jury member being interviews by lawyers for the trials of Michael Jackson, Robert Blake, and R. Kelly. Throughout the clip, Chappelle pokes fun at the three men for their respective crimes and for personal issues as well. He defends Michael Jackson, but makes fun of characteristics such as his nose and obsession with glitter, but in the end says he would never let his son sleep with the man. Later, Chappelle says that he has seen R. Kelly's sex tape 80 times and tells the attorneys what it would take for him to believe R. Kelly is guilty. Chappelle ends making a statement about the entire US legal system.
Future Shock - Roombas of Doom
“Future Shock: Rumbas of Doom.” The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Comedy Central. February 10, 2008. Viewed February 20, 2009. http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=218357&title=Future-Shock---Roombas-of-Doom
The Daily Show in this news report finds itself reporting on a robot development company named IRobot. This company is currently developing the technology to turn robots into robotic soldiers. The Daily Show, a parody news program, uses humor to critique on the media and events happening around the world. Particularly in this report, technology and the development of robotic soldiers is discussed. The issue behind this report is the ethics behind developing these weapons. A robotics expert Noel Sharkey, explains an interesting argument about robots as soldiers. He explains how it’s impossible to program a robot so it can tell the difference between a gun and ice cream cone, demonstrating how imperfect and dangerous this technology can be. Yet the other side, the IRobot CEO, argues the possibility of soldier’s lives being saved because they are not running into gunfire, a robot is. The report leaves the viewer contemplating the necessity of “ethical standards” for this new developing technology. Will it lead a promising future, or a Terminator like massacre?
The Daily Show in this news report finds itself reporting on a robot development company named IRobot. This company is currently developing the technology to turn robots into robotic soldiers. The Daily Show, a parody news program, uses humor to critique on the media and events happening around the world. Particularly in this report, technology and the development of robotic soldiers is discussed. The issue behind this report is the ethics behind developing these weapons. A robotics expert Noel Sharkey, explains an interesting argument about robots as soldiers. He explains how it’s impossible to program a robot so it can tell the difference between a gun and ice cream cone, demonstrating how imperfect and dangerous this technology can be. Yet the other side, the IRobot CEO, argues the possibility of soldier’s lives being saved because they are not running into gunfire, a robot is. The report leaves the viewer contemplating the necessity of “ethical standards” for this new developing technology. Will it lead a promising future, or a Terminator like massacre?
Sex and The City
"Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-Little". Sex & The City. By Julie Rottenberg & Elisa Zuritsky. Dir. David Frankel. Perf. Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kim Cattrall, and Kristin Davis. HBO. 13 July 2003.
In this episode, like many other episodes of Sex & The City, the girls discuss the issue of communication. After some shockingly blunt advice from Carrie's new boyfriend, Berger, Miranda and the girls realize that the communication between men and women is made more complicated than necessary. Berger informs Miranda that men will always make it clear when they are interested in a woman. This play upon the idea of communication and language because although men and women in this case speak the same language, their words seems to have different meanings. Men and women often suffer when it comes to communicating with each other as a result. Carrie and the girls learn from Berger that it could be made simpler if they kept his rule in mind.
The Onion News Network
The Onion News Network is the daily video broadcast from The Onion, a fake news organization established in 1988 that satirizes international, national, sports, business, entertainment and made up news. The Onion News Network (ONN) was launched in 2007 and ever since then has grown to encompass several continuing series that focus on specific subjects, such as Today Now! which mocks morning news shows, In The Know With Clifford Banes, satirizing pundit shows, O-SPAN, which spoofs C-Span and ONN International, whose coverage includes "over 821 countries and 126 languages" lampooning CNN International.
The embedded video comes from the last of these ONN's series and is titled "East Timor's First Female Dictator Hailed as Step Forward For Women." It is a fake news reel, as is ONN's style, that satirizes both the commonality of coups d'estat in developing countries (the video uses East Timor), the behaviour of dictators, and the way that some people could make it seem as if a dictator's take-over is commendable just because the dictator happens to be a woman (the fictional Amivi Gama). Throughout the video, The ONN's also shows comedic captions regarding to Amivi's Gama's capabilities as a dictator and mother ("Gama Juggles Motherhood, Butchering Political Enemies"), and the ticker is continuously broadcasting other fake news (these include: "Lucasfilm Intern Discovers Only Job Responsibility is Fact-Checking Wookiepedia" and "From Lubbock, TX: Battle Between Humans and Armadillos Rages for 6th Consecutive Day.")
The Onion, Onion News Network, accessed Feb. 22, 2009, -http://www.theonion.com/content/video/east_timors_first_female_dictator?utm_source=a-section-
Stevenhaggen's Food Pawn Shop with Steve Buscemi and Will Ferrell
"Stevenhaggen's Food Pawn Shop with Steve Buscemi and Will Ferrell." Dir. Adam McKay. Independent Short Film, 2008. Funny or Die. 8.08. 2.22.09. <>
This is a short film by Adam McKay that pokes fun at the economy and how at such dire times like the present, that we may have to result to pawning food. The film has some well known comedian actors in it such as Will Ferrell and Steve Buscemi.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Freaky Friday
In this film, Freaky Friday, demonstrates an admirable mother and daughter relationship through a fortune cookie. This film is aimed for families going through adolescent. Anna (Lindsay Lohan) and her mother do not understand each other as a family member and receive two fortune cookies that changed their appearance to each other. This sparked the journey of them to love and care each other. Anna works for her mother as a councilor and her mother goes to school as Anna. They realize things that they have noticed as they go through each other’s lives in each other’s situations such as Anna’s relationship with her friends, music, and Anna’s mother’s job, responsibilities. Anna’s big concert comes up and Anna’s mother’s wedding comes up while the bodies were still interchanged. The importance of trusting and being a family member is apparent throughout the story. Anna and her mother create a strong relationship by going through obstacles in each other’s lives.
Freaky Friday. Dir. Mark Waters. Perf. Lindsay Lohan, Harold Gould, Chad Michael Murray, and Mark Harmon. DVD Walt Disney Pictures, 2003.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Saturday Night Live: Word Association
Saturday Night Live, today in its 34th season, is a live, 90 minute sketch comedy show that appears every weekend on NBC. Created in 1975 by Lorne Michaels, the show is centered around a standard cast that appears every weekend and a guest host, who is a well-known celebrity, either in the entertainment or political sphere. This particular clip is from the 9th episode of the 1st season, which Richard Pryor hosted. The first black host for the show, Richard Pryor is seen in this particular sketch, sitting at a table with Chevy Chase, being interviewed for a job. The last part of the interview is a word association exercise, in which Chevy Chase starts off using very simple, non offensive terms. The exercise gets out of hand very quickly, with Chevy Chase using progressively offensive terms for blacks, while Richard Pryor fires back with progressively offensive terms for whites. Upon Chevy Chase's use of the "N" word, Richard Pryor calls him a "dead honky," which leads to Chevy Chase hiring Richard Pryor for $15,000 a year, the highest paid janitor in America, all after the initial offers of $5,000 and $7,500 per year garnered responses of "your mama" and "your grandmama," respectively.
Chase, Chevy, and Richard Pryor, perf. Saturday Night Live. NBC. 13 Dec. 1975. Hulu. 17 Feb. 2009.
Chase, Chevy, and Richard Pryor, perf. Saturday Night Live. NBC. 13 Dec. 1975. Hulu. 17 Feb. 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Futurama-Atlantic City
"Atlantic City," Futurama. Comedy Central, 28 Jan. 2007. 18 Feb. 2009
Futurama is a television sitcom found on the Comedy Central network. This episode of Futurama pokes fun at Atlantic City, New Jersey indirectly. Atlantic City is known for being this cheap, run-down town where the main tourist attraction is gambling. Hence the subtitle of the clip, “Leela and Fry take Bender to Atlantic City to tempt him into temptation.” There Bender, one of the main characters is tempted to forsake his inner peace and rob someone, go to a strip club, and essentially sin. This raises the issue that the city is focusing too much on tourism and not on the poverty of its residents. The show primarily caters to a young audience.
Labels: satirical
Futurama is a television sitcom found on the Comedy Central network. This episode of Futurama pokes fun at Atlantic City, New Jersey indirectly. Atlantic City is known for being this cheap, run-down town where the main tourist attraction is gambling. Hence the subtitle of the clip, “Leela and Fry take Bender to Atlantic City to tempt him into temptation.” There Bender, one of the main characters is tempted to forsake his inner peace and rob someone, go to a strip club, and essentially sin. This raises the issue that the city is focusing too much on tourism and not on the poverty of its residents. The show primarily caters to a young audience.
Labels: satirical
Everybody Hates Chris Episode 10
Williams, Tyler. “Season 4 Episode 10-Part 3_3,” Everybody Hates Chris. Youtube. Accessed Feb. 17, 2009. < v="oRA8btiF0tY">
Everybody Hates Chris is a sitcom about comedian Chris Rock’s childhood and the struggles he experienced growing up in New York in the 1970’s. The show was created by Chris Rock himself as well as Ali LeRoi and is aired on the CW television network. Chris Rock’s character is played by actor Tyler James Williams. In his youth, Chris finds himself having to balance life at an all white school with the life he has at home, in a more urban and black neighborhood. This episode in particular, lightheartedly exemplifies the perils of city living as Chris and his family endures New Year’s in New York City. There is a scene where he and his family are stacking bags of rice in the window to keep outside gunfire from scattering glass over the living room floor. This episode as well as the others show typical life in the inner city—gun shots, robbery, and hustling. The audience is mostly Black.
Everybody Hates Chris is a sitcom about comedian Chris Rock’s childhood and the struggles he experienced growing up in New York in the 1970’s. The show was created by Chris Rock himself as well as Ali LeRoi and is aired on the CW television network. Chris Rock’s character is played by actor Tyler James Williams. In his youth, Chris finds himself having to balance life at an all white school with the life he has at home, in a more urban and black neighborhood. This episode in particular, lightheartedly exemplifies the perils of city living as Chris and his family endures New Year’s in New York City. There is a scene where he and his family are stacking bags of rice in the window to keep outside gunfire from scattering glass over the living room floor. This episode as well as the others show typical life in the inner city—gun shots, robbery, and hustling. The audience is mostly Black.
SBS Radio - Breaking the Language Barrier
This video is a satire on the language barrier. Two scientists from the MSIRO (Marketing, Science, Industrial Research Organization) who are best known for their study of the sexual activity of guavas are given funding to test the myth that it is impossible to sell products to people from non-English speaking backgrounds. They attempt to penetrate a physical language barrier that is placed between a non-English speaking couple and a product accelerator. In the end however, they prove the myth to be false when they turn on SBS Radio. SBS Radio, a program provided by the Special Broadcasting Service based in Australia, is a service that broadcasts news, current affairs, sport news, music, and community information to people of non-English speaking backgrounds in their native languages. To this date, SBS broadcasts in 68 languages. The purpose of this satire was to emphasize the lasting reputation the language barrier has of being incredibly difficult and unsolvable. It is suggesting that it is relatively simple to solve using tools we can create. The audience is meant for the general public, as it is meant to advertise SBS radio as well as inform.
SBS Radio. Funny way to break the language barrier! 19 June 2007. 17 Feb 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vR8WOEcqpw
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Chris Rock (1987-)
Best known for: Everybody Hates Chris (T.V. Series), Down to Earth, Chris Rock: Never Scared (T.V.), I Think I love My Wife (Film), Head of State(Film), Madagascar (Film), In Living Color (T.V. series), Pootie Tang (Film)
Major themes: Black humor, musical comedy, observational comedy, political satire, satire
(Crystal Hart)
Major themes: Black humor, musical comedy, observational comedy, political satire, satire
(Crystal Hart)
Weekend Update: Celebrity
These are two Saturday Night Live Weekend Update skits, both featuring Seth Meyers as the host. The first also stars Kenan Thompson as Charles Barkley. SNL, a sketch comedy show started in the mid-seventies which now airs every Saturday night at 11:30 pm, is well-known as a parody show, taking current events and trends and turning them on their heads. This first sketch, originally aired on 1/10/09, starts off with the political news of the week, followed by an in-depth interview with Sir Barkley on his recent traffic violation. The second clip, aired 2/7/09, is Seth's analysis of Michael Phelps marijuana scandal.
Barkley and Phelps are the latest in a line of celebrities to be skewered by the SNL crew for immature behavior. These sketches bring up the debate on how celebrities and potential role models ought to be punished for behavior that would probably go unnoticed if they were not famous. Any other young adult male, for example, could have used a bong profusely and not suffered the consequences, but Phels only did so once (to our knowledge) and is loosing millions of dollars because of it. While the Barkley sketch doesn't have much of a complete argument, Seth and the writers clearly see Phelps' treatment as too harsh. Meyers points out how ridiculous the standards are for Phelps, and how the 12-time-gold-medal-winner ought to be given a few breaks every now and then. As the show is aimed at Phelps' age group, the audience will probably tend to agree with them.
Barkley and Phelps are the latest in a line of celebrities to be skewered by the SNL crew for immature behavior. These sketches bring up the debate on how celebrities and potential role models ought to be punished for behavior that would probably go unnoticed if they were not famous. Any other young adult male, for example, could have used a bong profusely and not suffered the consequences, but Phels only did so once (to our knowledge) and is loosing millions of dollars because of it. While the Barkley sketch doesn't have much of a complete argument, Seth and the writers clearly see Phelps' treatment as too harsh. Meyers points out how ridiculous the standards are for Phelps, and how the 12-time-gold-medal-winner ought to be given a few breaks every now and then. As the show is aimed at Phelps' age group, the audience will probably tend to agree with them.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
30 Rock
The multiple Emmy and Golden Globe award winning comedy 30 Rock follows the life of Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), the head writer of a variety show, and her interactions with volatile star Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) and her burgeoning friendship with NBC network executive Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin). During each episode, we see Liz struggle to balance her life and her work, all while producing the hit variety show TGS with Tracy Jordan. Although 30 Rock is considered a work place comedy, the zany world in which the show lives also skewers the TV industry, politics, and popular culture. For example, the episode below, “MILF Island,” takes a look at the absurd and revolting content network executives put on TV in the name of making money. Throughout the show’s run so far, 30 Rock has dealt with these issues while holding up a mirror to the sometimes absurd world of television and celebrity.
Fey, Tina, and Matt Hubbard. "MILF Island." 30 Rock. NBC. New York, NY. 10 Apr. 2008.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Dave Chappelle. Men and Women Psychology.
Dave Chappelle. Men and Women Psychology. 2007.
This is a YouTube video of Dave Chappelle's stand-up comedy. Dave Chappelle was born in Washington DC. Chappelle talks about the gender difference and how it affects the relationship between men and women. The purpose of this performance is to let the audience realize that not only men and women look different outside but the way we think are different as well and to prevent any conflicts relating to this issue. The audience are people who are in a relationship.
The Yes Men Fix the World
Written, Directed and Produced by Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonnano, Cinetic and Evil Twin Booking Agency, 2009
Sequel to The Yes Men, The Yes Men Fix the World features many more pranks, with even larger implications. They try everything from an Exxon biofuel made from dead people to appearances next to the governor of Louisiana and mayor of New Orleans on how to help those wronged by the government after Katrina. In 2004, when Andy went on BBC posing as an Executive from Dow, the pair got much more than they bargained for. When Andy announced that Dow would finally clean up the site of the Bhopal Catastrophe, an enormous industrial accident involving the release of toxic chemicals at a pesticide plant in India, Dow's stock droped by over two billion dollars in about 25 minutes. Andy and Mike realize that we may have built a market system that makes it almost impossible to do the right thing. They explore the depth of the problem while highlighting the hilarity that is big business. In the end they provide a positive message after 85 minutes of laughter. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and recently opened the Berlin Film Festival on Feb 6th to a standing ovation.
Sequel to The Yes Men, The Yes Men Fix the World features many more pranks, with even larger implications. They try everything from an Exxon biofuel made from dead people to appearances next to the governor of Louisiana and mayor of New Orleans on how to help those wronged by the government after Katrina. In 2004, when Andy went on BBC posing as an Executive from Dow, the pair got much more than they bargained for. When Andy announced that Dow would finally clean up the site of the Bhopal Catastrophe, an enormous industrial accident involving the release of toxic chemicals at a pesticide plant in India, Dow's stock droped by over two billion dollars in about 25 minutes. Andy and Mike realize that we may have built a market system that makes it almost impossible to do the right thing. They explore the depth of the problem while highlighting the hilarity that is big business. In the end they provide a positive message after 85 minutes of laughter. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and recently opened the Berlin Film Festival on Feb 6th to a standing ovation.
Daniel Tosh (1975 -)
Best Known For: Daniel Tosh: Completely Serious (comedy album), True Stories I Made Up (comedy album), and Comedy Central Presents: Daniel Tosh (DVD).
Major Themes: Class Differences, TV, Pop Culture, Religion, and Politics.
Lewis Black: The Old Testament
Lewis Black. The Old Testament. Dir. Keith Raskin. Comedy Central. 2008
This skit involves Lewis Black discussing evolution and religion. The major themes are of course Christianity and Jewish religion and how they are related to each other through "The Old Testament and the News Testament". The whole skit deals with how evolution is talked about in the Old Testament which was the Jewish book, but it wasn't good enough for Christians and therefore made a "New Testament". Most of Lewis Blacks stand up comedy deals with racism, everyday life, absurdities, sarcasm, exaggeration, and politics.
This skit involves Lewis Black discussing evolution and religion. The major themes are of course Christianity and Jewish religion and how they are related to each other through "The Old Testament and the News Testament". The whole skit deals with how evolution is talked about in the Old Testament which was the Jewish book, but it wasn't good enough for Christians and therefore made a "New Testament". Most of Lewis Blacks stand up comedy deals with racism, everyday life, absurdities, sarcasm, exaggeration, and politics.
"Gilly" from Saturday Night Life
"Gilly." Saturday Night Life. NBC. Saturday Night Life Online. January 2008.
http://www.nbc.com/Saturda_Night_Life/video/clips/gilly/945843
This skit from Saturday Night Life was presented live from the show's studio in New York City. It is based on a general perception of 1950's schooling in America, which can be seen through the costuming, language, and expressions used throughout. The skit deals with the token "naughty" students who disrupts class. Other students fit stereotypes common in 1950's television shows like Leave it Leave it to Beaver and The Andy Griffith Show. Gilly, the main character, played by Kristen Wigg, harasses the students and teacher throughout. Kristen Wigg who has been hailed as Saturday Night Life newest and biggest star and a comic genius, played the main charcter well and personified the stereotypical "bad" student that cannot be helped through the education system of 1950's. Themes that appear in this skit include: behavior, stereotypes, bullying, student-teacher relations, and childhood.
Friends: The One With Ross's Thing
"The One With Ross's Thing" Friends: Season 3 Episode 23. NBC. May, 1997.
Friends is a sit com about six adults living in New York City. There are ten seasons in all making a total of 236 episodes. Episodes of Friends are based upon drama and the hardships that come from living in New York City. Some general themes include personal insecurities, complicated love lives, economic difficulties, and the social dynamics between a group of people. In this specific episode, several things happen. There is a lesson about stereotypes when Phoebe has troubles while dating two men at once: a hot fireman and a sensitive teacher. Furthermore, Monica is insecure about her relationship when she thinks her boyfriend is going to break up with her. The show is directed toward a general audience due to the broad themes about struggles in everyday life. Click Here for a clip of the episode!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Kids in The Hall
The Kids in the Hall (Dave Foley, Kevin McDonald, Bruce McCulloch, Mark McKinney, and Scott Thompson) was a Canadian sketch comedy show that ran for 5 seasons from 1989-1995. Episodes ran twenty minutes (not including commercials) and contained various sketches with themes ranging from gender and sexuality, police, business, family life, religion, and sex to the completely absurd like a man with meat for hands and a killer shark named Skoora that feels remorse.
Some famous recurring characters include: the Head Crusher, a man who sits in public and "crushes" the heads of passers-by with his pointer finger and thumb. Cabbage head, a misogynistic man with, surprise, a head of cabbage for a head, who continually fails on dates due to his rude and womanizing attitude. Buddy Cole, the opinionated owner of a gay bar who goes off on long monologues after closing time with a martini in his hand. Danny Husk, a hopelessly stupid and unlucky businessman. Gavin, a talkative and inquisitive adolescent. Simon and Hecubus, a self-proposed demonic prophet and his man-servant, and many more.
The Kids in the Hall are most known for dressing in drag. All of them straight except for Scott Thompson, they wanted to push the limits and show that it's okay to be yourself and to be a little gay. They frequently performed sketches dealing with homosexuality, gender roles and homophobia, portraying very convincing but very manly women as well as homosexual characters. The Kids in the Hall was the first sketch comedy show to openly and frequently deal with this issue.
This first video clip is a sketch from the season 1 finale, poking fun at the ridiculousness of the bible:
The second video is one example of the Kids dealing with homophobia (in an extreme way):
"The Kids in the Hall" Produced by Lorne Michaels, 1989-1995. Toronto, Canada. Accessed from Youtube February 8, 2009.
Some famous recurring characters include: the Head Crusher, a man who sits in public and "crushes" the heads of passers-by with his pointer finger and thumb. Cabbage head, a misogynistic man with, surprise, a head of cabbage for a head, who continually fails on dates due to his rude and womanizing attitude. Buddy Cole, the opinionated owner of a gay bar who goes off on long monologues after closing time with a martini in his hand. Danny Husk, a hopelessly stupid and unlucky businessman. Gavin, a talkative and inquisitive adolescent. Simon and Hecubus, a self-proposed demonic prophet and his man-servant, and many more.
The Kids in the Hall are most known for dressing in drag. All of them straight except for Scott Thompson, they wanted to push the limits and show that it's okay to be yourself and to be a little gay. They frequently performed sketches dealing with homosexuality, gender roles and homophobia, portraying very convincing but very manly women as well as homosexual characters. The Kids in the Hall was the first sketch comedy show to openly and frequently deal with this issue.
This first video clip is a sketch from the season 1 finale, poking fun at the ridiculousness of the bible:
The second video is one example of the Kids dealing with homophobia (in an extreme way):
"The Kids in the Hall" Produced by Lorne Michaels, 1989-1995. Toronto, Canada. Accessed from Youtube February 8, 2009.
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