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

viewers. His clips provide quick insight into the news for millions of young people on Twitter and Instagram. Recently, his segment on net neutrality ended up crashing the Federal Communication Commission’s website as viewers of Oliver’s program flocked to offer comments about a pending proposal. This was not the first or last time Oliver made a statement that prompted newly informed and intrigued people to investigate and crash a federal website.

This is not to say that there is no bias. More often than not, the mockery is directed towards the executive branch—no matter the party in power—and it is mostly clear which side of the aisle the commentator leans toward. Like Meyers, some have openly denounced Trump and blatantly explain their excitement for the end of Trump’s term. Meyers’ twisted-mouth impersonations of the president combine physical imitation with political judgment as he covers various news headlines concerning the White House and other global affairs.

Despite some bias, research from groups like the Pew Research Center has shown that viewers of these comedic political shows tend to be more informed and knowledgeable than audiences of other shows. A Pew Research Center study found that youth who regularly watch comedic entertainment media such as “The Daily Show” are 60% more likely to be correctly informed about current affairs than those who do not watch. Not only do these shows empower youth to get interested in politics, but they also equip their viewers with the proper knowledge and information needed to mitigate ignorance.

For a generation with a declining attention span, political humor can be an effective way to keep them engaged and interested in the news. Dr. Amy Bree Becker, a Loyola University professor, conducted a study that proved watching a comedy interview increases the likelihood that a young person will participate in a protest, march, or demonstration by 38%.

At Carlmont, many students are highly political. In 2016, weeks after Trump was elected, more than 300 Scots gathered for a walkout rally called “Love Trumps Hate.” In 2018, following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, hundreds of Carlmont students participated in a national walkout where they expressed their condolences for the 17 people killed in Parkland and protested gun accessibility, sharing fears for their lives.

This year, Carlmont students joined in Black Lives Matter demonstrations all across the Bay Area and held a mock presidential election. However, in a partisan atmosphere, some students feel uncomfortable with politics. A FiveThirtyEight study revealed that younger people, ages 15-24, are less likely to get involved in politics because of time constraints and confusion about current events or the political system.

The study, which also pointed to misinformation on social media as a primary cause for confusion, can explain the mindset of Carlmont students who are less politically active. For Carlmont students who want to get involved but feel disconnected, political satire may be the perfect way to learn and get involved enjoyably. As Carlmont students begin to turn 18, they, too, can start impacting society not only through their voice but also through their vote.

Political satire inspires young people, like students at Carlmont, to involve themselves in politics while equipping them with an understanding of current events. The TV personalities motivate and allow students in our community and across the country to feel comfortable expressing their views and manifesting their beliefs through action – most notably, voting. Voting is the core of democracy, and by encouraging people to vote, political comedians are maintaining it.