Satire And Political Knowledge

Words: 1333
Pages: 6

2.2.2 Satire and Political Knowledge

Previous researches on this topic have generated contending viewpoints. One perspective is that satire acts as an alternative source of political information that is both entertaining and accessible. For that argument, satire is seen as promoting knowledge, awareness and interest among generally unresponsive audience. Others are more pessimistic, arguing that satire has limited potential to enhance knowledge and sophistication. The content only connects to citizens who are keeping up to their political media regime (Young D. G., 2008). The more sceptical scholars think politics in comedic form may bring about scepticism and diminished political trust (Baumgartner & Morris, 2006) prime negative contemplations
…show more content…
Conventional political participation, also called as formal (Henn & Foard, 2011), refers to modes that a dominant political culture recognizes as acceptable and that are related to institutionalized actions (Lamprianou, 2012). The activities are legal and structured, for example: party membership, lobbying, campaigning, attending meetings et cetera. In this context, the activities are within the accepted boundaries of institutional politics.

Unconventional political participation is just the opposite. It refers to those modes that are unlawful and uncustomary to the society and the non-intuitional actions that are up against the system (Kaase & Marsh, 1979). The lists of activities have grown over the years, from protest, demonstration, attacking the security forces to using new media to blog or post social commentaries (Bourne, 2010). Participating in BERSIH (2015)organised rallies is, for the most part, an example of unconventional
…show more content…
In her study, LaMarre (2013) has been taking after other researchers who studied for the relationship between satire and democracy. Her article provides evidences of democratic outcomes linked to satire such as: (1) view perceptions as observed by Cao & Brewer (2008) which finds self-reported learning from satirical shows like Saturday Night Live and The Daily Shows was positively associated with some forms of political participation; (2) evaluations of political candidates and leaders which were examined by Baumgartner & Morris (2006) saw exposure to The Daily Show’s brand of political humour influenced young Americans by lowering support for both presidential candidates and increasing cynicism.; (3) political trust and efficacy found in Becker’s study which highlight significant connection between exposure to satire and personal evaluations of internal political efficacy; and (4) political attitudes as LaMarre & Walther (2013) concluded Jon Stewart’s satire offers an intense approach to engage audience, influence attitudes, and shape public opinion.