Title
Currently undecided. Looking at the visual and linguistic devices used when satirising advertising and the topic of consumerism. Focusing on 'Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Great Job' and the 'Cinco Corporation' sketches that feature on their programme. I'm aware that this idea is less of an argument and more of an analysis and so I feel that maybe I should develop this idea to form an interesting, debatable question.
Significance
Based on my belief that our society is becoming more and more materialistic. The idea that the emphasis isn't on sentiment or meaning anymore, but on commercialism, profit, and our need to blindly consume. I think it's interesting to look at the ways in which this ideology is satirised, as it draws our attention to the emptiness and ridiculousness of a lifestyle revolving around material goods. I also appreciate an educated, sarcastic approach to opening our eyes, that doesn't hold back in fear of offending; something that I know I will crop up when researching this topic.
Primary/Secondary sources
Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Great Job
Brooker, C. (2007) "Dawn of the Dumb", London, Faber and Faber Limited
Fisher, C. (2011) '"I Don't Get It": A Guide to Tim & Eric for Mem-Mems and Pep-Peps', USA, Cathyafisher.com. Available from <http://www.cathyafisher.com/writing/i-dont-get-it-a-guide-to-tim-eric-for-mem-mems-and-pep-peps> [Accessed 29 October 2014]
Fisher, C. (2011) '"I Don't Get It": A Guide to Tim & Eric for Mem-Mems and Pep-Peps', USA, Cathyafisher.com. Available from <http://www.cathyafisher.com/writing/i-dont-get-it-a-guide-to-tim-eric-for-mem-mems-and-pep-peps> [Accessed 29 October 2014]
Fortley, I. (2012) 'The 5 Most Ridiculously Unnecessary Modern Inventions', USA, Cracked.com. Available from <http://www.cracked.com/blog/the-5-most-ridiculously-unnecessary-modern-inventions/> [Accessed 29 October 2014]
Katona, G. (1964) 'The Mass Consumption Society', University of Wisconsin, McGraw-Hill
Methods
I aim to research and explore a variety of examples of satirical illustration, writing and video. I will compare this to advertisements as a means to build a structured essay, analysing and evaluating specific techniques and methods of persuasion utilised by some and satirised by others. For the practical side of this project, I think that researching the faux-commercials and existing advertisements will inform my knowledge of techniques and devices that I can ridicule, parody and bastardise in order to produce my own satire illustrations for the second part of the module.
Limitations
I will focus on the idea of satirising the consumer culture, analysing the ways in which this is achieved. This will require me to touch upon the methods of persuasion used by advertisements, in order to familiarise myself with the techniques being ridiculed e.g. use of 'Scientists' and officials in lab coats to back up 'facts' and claims. I don't think it would be appropriate to look into genuine adverts in too much depth though, as I would stray away from the point of the essay. I will address the way in which the irony and sarcasm is received but won't focus too heavily on public response.
Essay Plan
Intro
(300 words)
Address question. Outline intentions and briefly identify some methods and devices employed in the illustrations and videos I will analyse. Touch on the idea that the use of satire can open our eyes and highlight incredibly relevant and valid points in a direct, and frequently, humorous way.
Main Body
(1400 words)
Breaking down visual and linguistic devices of the satirical illustrations and videos. Analysing and comparing to real, existing adverts and the ways in which they communicate with the target audience. How do they ridicule persuasive techniques? How do they comment on culture and society?
Visual Examples
(1000 words)
Tim & Eric video - Cinco Food Tube faux-commercial
Paul Blow - Scientist
Mikey Burton - Happiness
Conclusion
(300 words)
Conclude with the main visual and linguistic devices used, along with their effectiveness. How do they comment on our society and culture? Can they open our eyes? Will satirical commentary change our opinions and outlook on the way that we think and behave, or will we continue our spiral into meaningless, materialistic squalor?
( ^ After writing that conclusion - could that possibly inform my proposed essay question?)
No comments:
Post a Comment