Entertainment as Politics Essay

As time goes by, many changes be in possession of been unmistakable in the world. The various point sots that atomic number 18 happening aim the development of dissimilar aspects in the society. One of the most(prenominal) observable modifications is the development of the perspective or frame of mind of large number with count to their opinion ab out(a) the beds that guess them. Political concerns ar still among the primary subject matter that commonwealth usually engaged themselves in. This engagement is mostly evident in the ripened generation because the boyish members of the population tend to figure little interest up to the point of apathy with regard to such matter.Most of the spring chicken of today be more concerned with the latest video games, dash style, and different trends rather than government. However, the improvement in technology oddly in the field of intercourse has made it possible to piddle out to this young generation in order to enc ourage them to actively participate in governmental matters that greatly affect their lives. However, the technological advances in communication atomic number 18 non the nevertheless detailor that contributes to encouraging the young adults to engage themselves in political matters because creativity and innovativeness likewise play an central role.The different architectural plans in telly especially talk makes and prank shows argon the outcome of the engagement of communication technology and creativity as well as innovativeness. The batch behind these platforms ar responsible for conceptualizing a medium that would attract the upkeep of the pot. They create designs that would aid their viewing audience to have fun and at the equivalent time be enlightened closely the current flushts that ar winning place with their individual countries, especially in the field of politics.These commendable talents are supported by the power of modernity that enables them to broadcast this kind of programs and reach the TV fix ups in the living room of every household. The use of merriment in relation to political engagement is considered as a non- handed-down comprise of political communication with the great deal. The uniqueness of this kind of medium actually adds up to its appeal. Before, there is a distinction between news and fun. News programs are the atomic number 53s which handle serious matters and reports the recent until nowts in society.This kind of programs usually counseles on topics that concern the economy, status of the society, and the field of politics. On the early(a) hand, regard asment usually involves programs that provide lot a break from the hassles of everyday life. Entertainment programs are usually hosted by stand-up comediennes who tend to crack jokes or bewilder some other personalities. There also merriment programs that involve singing and dancing. Nevertheless, even the field of media is also evol ving because the distinction between news and entertainment has already been transcended.At present, there are existing shows that provide entertainment by using political issues. There are programs that tackle political concerns by means of impersonating the officials in the government. In this kind of programs, the hosts of the show could make commentaries or criticisms towards politicians in a fun and light-hearted manner. This new type of entertainment program is greatly exemplified by Saturday shadow alert. Saturday night run, or known only as SNL, is a late-night funniness show. It is an Ameri give the bounce sketch comedy and sort show that runs for 90 minutes on a weekly basis.The program started on October 11, 1975 at New York City. There is a regular set of hosts who are usually the rising actors in the field of comedy. They are conjugate by a guest host as well as a feature musical act. The show is broadcasted live at the studio 8H in the GE Building at New York s Rockefeller concentrate (NBC Universal, n. d. ). Saturday Night stick up made a huge impact in the last election in the United States. The program usually featured different politicians that were running for a position in office.These include presidential and vice presidential candidates such as Barack Obama and John McCain, among others. The impersonation of the hosts of the show with these various political figures not only provided entertainment to the general state-supported but more importantly, it was able to enlighten the people about the personalities, platforms, and the respective stand of these candidates regarding legion(predicate) political issues. Creation of Politics Using conceit The Saturday Night snuff it comedy show was able to spoof numerous political candidates for the last election.However, the most beakable and controversial among all of them was when they imitated the governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin. The program was able to apply the humorous nature of the show in order to centre on the political skills of Sarah Palin. In doing so, one of their hosts, Tina elfin, who has this crotchety resemblance with Governor Palin, imitated her every move from the way she dresses, her manner of speaking, and mannerisms. aside from the physical features, Tina elfin also used the famous quotes that Palin made in her interviews as well as the debate that she participated in.Being the comedian that she is, Tina insane was able to make her imitation of Palin very hilarious. In this situation, Saturday Night make up was able to exemplify how the show could actually mix entertainment with politics. Gender, Power, discriminate In relation to this, the skit about Sarah Palin also focused on other important issues like gender, power, and class. This is most observable in the episode wherein Tina Fey acted as Sarah Palin to detecther with another one of her co-hosts that imitated Hillary Clinton.In this scene, even though they were make funny remarks, the commentaries that they give actually pertain to the real issues that are taking place in the state of matter. Both the actresses were able to point out the topic of gender wherein they said that it was time that women start out key roles in the White House. They also stated that politicians should not be discriminated based upon gender, and that prejudiced remarks should be prevented. In terms of the idea of power, the devil actresses stated that it was timely that women should actively participate in shaping the future of the United States by giving them the opportunity to be elected.The concept of intellectual class end was also explored when they made it very obvious that Hillary Clinton knows more about politics than Sarah Palin. This is proven when the one who was imitating Clinton commented that I do not agree with the furnish Doctrine and Tina Fey replied in a very Palin kind of form that I do not know anything about it. Thus, finished and through this comedy act, it is very evident that there is an intellectual disparity between these two individuals. Comedy as a Space for Critical EngagementSaturday Night Live was able to use comedy in order to tap the weaknesses of Sarah Palin as a candidate for the vice-presidency. Pointing out the flaws of an individual is not an behind thing to do especially if it is done under the watchful essence of numerous people. Certain factors have to be taken into consideration especially the sensitivity of the person that is being scrutinized. However, by means of humor, one can slowly make commentaries that would not be seen in a pretty light if it is done seriously. indulgeous comments allow other people to notice the criticisms made in a high-priced natured manner.Laughter has its way of devising people take things lightly regardless of whether the remark is positive or negative. This is proven in the skit involving the imitation of Palin and Clinton. The impersonator of Hillary Clinton s tated that she believe that fineness should play an important role in U. S. policy. On the other hand, Tina Fey who portrayed the role of Sarah Palin said, I can see Russia in my apparent movement porch. This only shows the criticisms that people have with Palins lack of friendship with impertinent policy and diplomatic affairs.Saturday Night Live has the capability to attack fine issues and scrutinize famous and powerful individuals unlike ordinary news programs. Humor plays an important part in the ability of shows like Saturday Night Live to tackle important subject matters like the lack of capability and faculty of a particular candidate to hold a seat in the White House. They could explicitly show that Sarah Palin proved that this notion is true when she participated in the Saturday Night Live. She even joined in the hilarious jokes and some of the skits, even if it involves the mockery of her own personality and capacity.The program successful achieved the objective of making its viewers take notice of the weaknesses of Sarah Palin as vice-presidential candidate by playing with her personality. The skits, jokes, and impersonation of her were essential in order for the hosts to make the creation aware of the flaws of this particular candidate. Using humor was very effective in capturing the attention of the audience and making them aware of sensitive issues that cannot be easily hold forthed in a regular program. The people behind this entertainment show were able to incorporate the idea of having fun together with political criticisms.The qualification of Saturday Night Live and other similar programs, as compared to the usual traditional program, is its employment of humor in their commentaries and criticisms. In relation to this, the important technique that was used by the program is the employment of sarcasm, a literary olfaction that is implemented in order to make fun or jest at a person with the intention of correcting him or her (Ma li, n. d. ). As such, it could tackle important and sensitive issues especially in the political realm without being excessively serious about it.This music genre of entertainment is an effective setting for tiny engagement because it allows people to openly express how they think and feel with regard to a particular person or concern. They do not have to be too formal or to lay things nicely as they can easily say what is on their minds. Moreover, a study conducted by Nojin Kwak (2004), an assistant professor from the Department of Communication Studies in the University of Michigan, and his associates shows that entertainment programs greatly influence the political engagement of young adults.The use of telly entertainment shows, particularly late-night talk show programs, was found to reinforce political efficacy, political trust, and political understanding among the domain especially among young adults (Kwak, Wang, & Guggenheirn, 2004, p. ii). This only proves that enter tainment talk shows with the same format as Saturday Night Live are an effective avenue for political engagement. Political Economic expression of Saturday Night LiveThe nature of the program of Saturday Night Live that uses satire in relation to important social concerns enables it to acquire numerous viewers for the show. Television companies, like any other business organization, is also later on the accumulation of bread. NBC is the television network that handles Saturday Night Live. This network aims to increase the profit of its company through the programs that they have. Television shows normally recognize profit through the various commercials and advertisements of different companies that avail of the network services.These services get even more expensive when the company wants to show their ads during the primetime shows especially the high-rating ones. In this process, televisions companies gain profit from these television shows. Nevertheless, like in any other in dustry, NBC also has its competitors. There are quite a number of other television companies that also air similar programs like those that NBC has, but Saturday Night Live has a different approach in comedy that makes it one of the most high-rating shows in America. Entertainment Programs as a Space for Social shiftPrimetime programs also have a strategic advantage as compared to other shows that are aired at a different time. This is receivable to the fact that most people, especially the American in the public eye(predicate), are already at shell during that time. After a busy day at work or in school, this is the specific part of their day wherein they could relax and do whatsoever they want, and this usually includes watching television. Being the case, this is the most appropriate time for them to take notice of other things aside from their everyday responsibilities.Saturday Night Live is taking advantage of the free time of these people in order to entertain them and at the same time inform them of the present situation of the country and the people that are directly involved in it. They give their viewers relaxation through laughing and making fun of other people in a good-natured manner. At the same time, they do not simply make satire comments about anything under the sun rather, they focus on important ones that actually affect the lives of the viewers who patronize their programs.This late-night comedy show enlightens the people with regard to different issues like political matters, whether they are consciously or unconsciously aware of it. It epitomizes the very idea of encyclopaedism while having fun. The new genre of entertainment programs such as Saturday Night Live is responsible for creating an innovative space for social change. This kind of shows gives one of the most important factors in social engagement, and that is the concept of awareness. It informs the general public of the pressing issues that will eventually affect their wa y of life.Saturday Night Lives imitation of Governor Sarah Palin clearly proves how this program can discuss political concerns as well as the flaws of influential personalities. Thus, having this necessary knowledge can eventually aid the citizens of the country to take action. It is observable that the people then seriously consider the lack of political capacity that Sarah Palin has, which the show highlighted because she did not win in the election. The popularity of the Saturday Night Live increased due to the recent campaign period and election that took place. The show was able to focus on the current situation of America.Due to this, the interest of the people to get involved in political issues and participate in the exchange of thoughts as well as debates regarding this issue was heightened. Entertainment programs are a good avenue for social change because people could easily express their opinions, thoughts, feelings, and even their sentiments in this kind of setting wi thout being afraid that they might trespass other people. The freedom that they have in this kind of medium entails great participation from the people especially for young adults, particularly during this time when communication technology is very influential.The discussions above clearly prove that entertainment is indeed an effective avenue for small thinking, empowerment, and social change. Entertainment talk shows and comedy programs like Saturday Night Live is capable of enhancing the critical thinking of the public through the skits, jokes, and hilarious commentaries that they make. Whenever an individual watches the show, he or she becomes aware of a particular flaw of a personality, including political figures like Governor Sarah Palin.Hence, through such programs, the public is encouraged to analyze rationally why such criticism and mockery are taking place. This allows them to think beyond what these personalities are projecting and carefully study what their real inte ntions are, as well as their capacity in the position that they are running for. In this manner, critical engagement is already taking place because the people are exerting the effort to give attention to the particular concern the show is featuring. People are also empowered by entertainment shows because this gives them the freedom to express what they want.The hosts of the program represent the common people and their opinions and stand regarding a certain issue or a particular personality. They stand as the voice of the masses because they can explicitly express the publics perspective on various matters. Moreover, people can always send an e-mail to these television networks in order to give their opinion and suggestions about their shows. In doing so, they are already taking part in the whole process of media awareness. Lastly, this genre of entertainment program is an effective avenue for social change.It influences people, especially young adult, to get involved with import ant issues like political concerns. This is due to the fact that entertainment programs enable political understanding, political efficacy, and political trust among those people who watch them. Moreover, programs under this genre provide a setting contributive for social modifications because they use the value of humor and laughing about problems that would normally drag people down. Thus, their new approach in dealing with issues makes entertainment programs an effective way to effect changes in the society.ReferencesKwak, N. , Wang, X. , & Guggenheirn, L. (n. d. ). Laughing whole The Way The Relationship Between Television Entertainment Talk verbalise Viewing and Political Engagement among Young Adults. Retrieved November 25, 2008, from http//www. umich. edu/news/Releases/2004/Aug04/Kwak. pdf. Mali, T. (n. d. ). Satire. Retrieved November 25, 2008, from http//www. tnellen. com/cybereng/lit_terms/satire. html. NBC Universal. (n. d. ). Saturday Night Live. Retrieved November 25, 2008, from http//www. nbc. com/Saturday_Night_Live/about/.