America’s political satirists are maintaining its democracy Ayal Meyers Political comedians are front-line fighters for democracy; it is time we recognize the symbiotic relationship they have with us and America. In light of Donald Trump’s presidency, news programs and political satire saw a dramatic spike in viewership. According to the Associated Press, cable news ratings went by 72% over 2019. In part, this was a byproduct of the younger generation’s increased interest in social and political issues. However, bored by the formalities of network news, millennials and early members of Generation Z turn to comedy programs and the monologues of late-night comedians as an information source. Programs like Saturday Night Live, a 45-year-old show that has made fun of every president since Richard Nixon, weave together various humor with social and political critiques. On the other hand, monologue-based shows feature one comedian, either directing viewers’ attention to a series of news headlines or focusing on one overarching theme. According to the New York Times, some of the most popular political satirists include Trevor Noah, John Oliver, Hasan Minhaj, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, Samantha Bee, and Stephen Colbert. Ample research has shown that this sort of political satire is a win for democracy. Political comedy encourages young people to enthrall themselves in modern affairs, prompting them to seek more information. It provides them with an appealing method of following political campaigns and enables them to feel better about their ability to participate in politics and even
feel more inclined to join in acts of political expression. Political comedy serves as a powerful tool for youth to learn about and navigate the complexities of politics while acting as an exciting, fast information source. The New York Times reported that only 46% of eligible American voters between 18 and 29 voted in 2016. With problematically low levels of youth voter turnout, discussing politics in an accessible manner is precisely what makes these programs important. Compared to the 50% of Fox News’ viewers older than 68, these comedy shows consistently draw more than 40% of their views from people between 16 and 29. Compelling young people to vote requires capturing their attention and interest, something comedians attain by embedding additional aspects of entertainment in a shorter amount of time. For example, I don’t want to sit down and watch an hour of NPR, but 20-minute episodes of Minhaj’s “Patriot Act” have taught me more about complex topics such as taxes, student loans, and American immigration enforcement than my 12 years of public school. Minhaj first came to fame on Noah’s “The Daily Show” before receiving his own Netflix segment. On “The Patriot Act,” Minhaj’s vibrant energy and witty humor are paired with an in-depth analysis of pressing issues. For such a short amount of time, it is a wonder how he manages to incorporate so much information and humor. On “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” Oliver’s likable personality and cynical tone keep younger people informed through comedy. His unique strain of intelligent satire spreads across the internet, prompting laughter while informing
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