Sunday, March 14, 2010

Comedy as Commentary

Sometimes comedy is just funny. Sometimes it has a point. I think sketch comedy is at its best when it expresses a simple point of view on a societal issue. I've had about as much comedy training as I have theological, so when I see something that works I like to point it out.

This satire piece from Saturday Night Live starts with a simple unstated reality: that many businesses use fear as the motivation to attract customers and make money. Check out the first youtube video from a real Broadview Security Ad currently running on TV. Then watch the Hulu clip from SNL last night. I think you'll see what I mean...



5 comments:

glzubo said...

Joe this analogy is GREAT. It is ashame that some pastors use this approach to try and pusuade people to follow God. I call this the Fire Insurance approach to Christianity. God wants us to understand His plans for our lives. I think God does have a judgement for man, but that should not be the only part of the sales pitch.

Jesus Beard Bryant said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jesus Beard Bryant said...

So true. Though it may not always come off that way at first glance, comedy is one of the most philosophical forms of entertainment, because it cuts through the crap and shows the laughable side of everything.

Jonathan said...

Hilarious. Like Jesus Bead Bryant said, they did a great job at exposing the silliness of the original add.

What's interesting is that I've seen more atheists do this in mockery to Christianity than I have seen Christians use it as a mode of evangelism. Watch: The Invention of Lying.

Remi, United Kingdom said...

Hello there,
saw your guest feature on Jaycee's blog. http://www.lightherlamp.com.

I think what youre doing is pretty great :-)).

Thanks