One common misconception of the US amongst British and Europeans in general, is that Americans have little or no sense of irony or sarcasm and by extension satire. We generally consider our humourous traditions and crackling wit to be far superior to that of our American cousins. Whilst I can testify to a number of jokes or comments that have been lost in sarcastic translation, most people I have encountered at least loosely grasp the principles of such humour.
In the US, it is my humble opinion that there is no better proponent of the satirical and sarcastic humourous tradition of which we are so universally proud of as a nation, than the comedian Jon Stewart. He is the host of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, which airs Monday through Thursday on Comedy Central and is also shown in the UK on More 4. The concept of the show is that of a fake satirical news program focusing on politics, the media and current affairs. It is akin to Have I Got News For You and programs of a similar humour-based critical ilk.
Quite simply, it is genius and perhaps one of the most enlightened and insightful programs on American television - minus the bouts childish and insane humour. It is one of only a handful of satirical shows to shine an analytical and critical light on the crazy corporate world of 24 hour news networks in the US. I believe it is a beacon to journalistic integrity and freedom of speech in the otherwise murky swamp of TV news, which is dominated by polarised opinion over fact, and culture wars between conservative and liberal. If you get a chance to watch Fox News you will understand these sentiments, it is like watching a parallel universe!
Yesterday's show demonstrated a hilarious example of what happens when a news station steps out of line and catches the attentions of The Daily Show. The focus of Jon Stewart’s ire was CNN, a well-respected news outlet with a global presence in the media market. The station took exception to a sketch on Saturday Night Live, a long running variety show featuring well known comics, mocking Obama’s recent Nobel Peace Prize. Such was CNN’s objection to the sketch mocking Obama; they decided to check the entire segment for factual irregularities. Not exactly vital news programming during one of the most important public policy debates in the history of America, namely healthcare reform.
Here is Jon’s take on the coverage and apologies for the language at the conclusion of the segment…
Welcome to the American news cycle and long live the BBC!
Sorry son but the link wouldn't work in "your country" Is this USA censorship? Good old Beeb eh! Although wouldn't it be nice for them to be a little less PC sometime! I think we'd better go back to reading & libraries
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