Overview

Across cultures and across history, people have used political satire to call out abuses of power, manipulation, deception, and absurdity. While there are examples of satire everywhere, its growth as a form of political resistance and as a reference for political behavior has been on the rise in the modern era and has been particularly visible in the internet age. Yet, despite the fact that examples of political satire are everywhere, it remains an elusive concept. How does satire differ from mockery? What is the role of irony in satire? Can making fun of something have a serious impact? What is the purpose of satire and what are its social effects? This book offers an introduction to modern political satire in an easy-to-access format designed for both beginners and readers looking to refine their understanding of this complex genre. Drawing on examples from Stephen Colbert to Bassem Youssef to Charlie Hebdo, and studying a range of different types of satirical media, this one-of-a-kind introduction to political satire examines the role that satire has played in shaping political discourse, promoting civic engagement, and influencing audiences.

Full Product Details

9781032659671

Table of Contents

Reviews

""Satire and comedy have long been a form of respite and relief for society, allowing comedians and audiences to make sense of a patently absurd world. But where did it come from? What are its historical roots? And how does it connect to our modern world? Sophia McClennen brilliantly lays out the technical craft and artistry of political satire, its historical context, and why it’s so valuable in modern society. I have spent my entire career loving political satire, making comedy slideshows, and Sophia’s work is a dazzling love letter to the craft I cherish dearly. This is a fantastic and much needed book codifying the machinations and inner workings of an art form that is so deeply needed now more than ever."" --Hasan Minhaj ""This book delivers exactly what it promises: a smart, interactive, in-depth introduction to the complex practice of modern political satire. As a collaborative work of teacher and students, this textbook offers essential instructional tools such as keywords, infographics, and “dig deep” group activities designed to ensure accessibility in the classroom. As an academic work by an expert in the field, this overview insightfully covers the Basics, the Forms, and the Effects of political satire. Modern Political Satire is a perfect combination of teaching and scholarship that will prove indispensable to any course on satire."" --Kirk Combe, Denison University

Author Information

Sophia A. McClennen is Professor of International Affairs and Comparative Literature at Penn State University and founding director of the Center for Global Studies. She has published 14 books, including Trump Was a Joke: How Satire Made Sense of a President Who Didn’t (2023), Pranksters vs. Autocrats: Why Dilemma Actions Advance Nonviolent Activism (2020, with Srdja Popovic), and Globalization and Latin American Cinema (2018).

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