By Courtney Cooperman `16, Commentary Editor

Over the last few months, the political scene has provoked debate, caused worries, and raised questions. However, one favorable product has come out of the conflict: humor. During the government shutdown, to find mockeries of the unfolding situation in Congress often seemed easier than actual progress updates. The prevalence of such parodies during this conflict shows our culture’s gravitation towards satire as a lens for viewing the world.

Students and faculty members alike generally approve of the role of satire, in the world at large and the Newark Academy community. When asked for his opinion, Mr. Parlin immediately reacted to the topic of satire by defining it. He pulled out a thick Webster’s Dictionary from his shelves, leafed through its pages, and declared, “Satire: a literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn.” Most would agree that satire extends beyond literature to all forms of media. Examples from the government shutdown include sarcastic articles on The Onion, government shutdown tweets, and mockery on Saturday Night Live. 

Satire’s accessibility on all platforms makes it a common source of entertainment, and often a source of information. Following world news can be daunting, so many turn to parodies to more easily gain a sense of current situations. As English teacher Mrs. Acquadro stated, “People are more likely to listen to something if they get a laugh.” Students agree that satire makes intimidating topics easier to digest. “If there’s something going wrong, to put a comedic spin on it makes discussing it seem easier and less serious,” commented Parnika Sharma `15.

Mr. Parlin also cited multiple historical examples of satire as a memorable, effective means of communication, such as Charlie Chaplin’s farce on fascism The Great Dictator. He also mentioned President Lyndon Johnson’s noteworthy comment that Gerald Ford had “played too much football without a helmet” as an example of how humorous political expression can have a greater impact than bland, direct statements. Likewise, snide remarks – or tweets – stick in our minds today more than simple statements of criticism in the news. However, satire should not serve as a complete replacement for objective, factual presentations of events and conflict. Mr. Parlin emphasized, “There’s definitely a place for satire, but I would hate to have satire totally supplant reasoned critical analysis.”

Although satirical humor can be good-natured, boundaries must be set if ridicule causes serious harm. Mockery can evolve from exaggeration of truth into damaging lies. As Mr. Parlin put it, “Satire can be cruel. I have observed or heard satirical commentary and thought that’s almost immoral – too hurtful. If it’s hurtful to no good purpose, I have no respect for that. When satire is used against innocent people in a cruel way, that I find offensive.” Mrs. Acquadro believes that satire should only target those who have “put themselves in the arena,” such as politicians. In her opinion, devastating satire is acceptable for public figures, but there must be limits to prevent ordinary people from being dragged into excessive mockery.

Despite its potential for brutality, satire is oftentimes harmless. Controlled, friendly satire is present – and thoroughly enjoyed – in our own community. For example, the IB/Advanced Acting morning meeting presentation earlier this fall gently teased Newark Academy faculty, events, and culture, without greatly disrespecting or harming any parties involved. Parnika Sharma, a member of the IB/Advanced Acting class, noted that the presentation did not condemn Newark Academy, but rather focused on its “little quirks,” a contrast from the vicious satire characteristic of the political world. Parodying does not inherently entail insult. Newark Academy students and faculty succeed at creating caricatures of ourselves, amusing the community with affectionate ridicule while maintaining the balance between the humorous and the harmful.

Recent events have revealed the strength of our cultural inclination towards satire, which has existed long before current situations, and long before the present mediums that we use to express it. Satire can simplify our understanding, impress ideas upon us, and make us laugh, but it can also help us cope with a confusing and unnerving world. When there is doubt and worry about the future, “Humor is the best medicine,” as Mrs. Acquadro remarked. Parodying national and global situations can stray from the comical into the realm of the offensive, but satire at Newark Academy creates delight rather than controversy. Whether used to scorn, impact, or entertain, satire is a powerful and engaging way to look at problems and grasp troubling situations. Yet it can also be used to unite our community through portraying our eccentricities – unique components of our identity that we cherish and further appreciate by poking a little bit of fun.