Satire

FOA by Eugene Hui

Satire
Noun
1. A way of using humor to show that someone or something is foolish, weak, bad, etc. 2. Humor that shows the weaknesses or bad qualities of a person government, society, etc.

Objectives
To explain how our prior knowledge and cultural understanding shapes the way we view satire. To explain how cultural understanding and prior knowledge are also crucial in fully understanding satire.

Questions
What was your initial reaction to this video? What do you think was the background behind this video?

Do you find this funny or offensive?

Background Information
Rendition of Bob Marleys No Woman, No Cry
Song about growing up in the ghetto and persuading women that things will get better.

Portrays a very topical gender issue in Saudi Arabia

Hisham Fageeh
Arab American comedian/actor Went to Columbia University

Has a satirical blog series on YouTube

Inspired by Bob Marley (the Jamaican singer)

Achieving the Videos Message

Fageeh uses the song and its lyrics in a satirical manner to mock Saudi Arabias long-time ban on female drivers, at approximately the same time when 60 female drivers across the nation drove in an act of protest.

1. Singing and Clapping

Traditionally used during weddings Performed by women only, never by men

Redefines the notion of what is men only and women only

Metaphor for gender roles

2. Use of Irony
No woman, no drive
Repetition

In this bright future you cant forget your past, so put your car keys away
Juxtaposes modern and traditional Saudi Arabia society Mocks the fact that Saudi Arabia is unwilling to change

Hey little sister dont touch that wheel

Imperative Satire of Saudi Arabias ban on women of all ages, even today

2. Use of Irony
The drivers can take you anywhere, because the queens dont drive
Queens when referring to women (use of a contradiction) Ironic since Saudi Arabians women cannot have drivers Symbolizes the ignorance of society

Your feet is your only carriage

Non standard grammar Reflects gender roles

3. Use of Allusion
I remember when you used to sit, in the family car, but back seat. Ovaries all safe and well, so you can make lots and lots of babies You can cook me my dinner, of which Id share with you
Alludes to gender roles in Saudi Arabian culture

Everythings gonna be alright

Ambiguous meaning present

Language and Meaning

Such features within the text contributed to the texts final objective of satire. Language itself was used in an indirect manner.
Multiple interpretations of the text were possible. Ambiguity strongly present.

Language within the text itself also pointed towards the authors disapproval towards Saudi Arabias ban. The text also spread awareness of the issue. Metaphor & Foreshadowing

How did the audience and purpose affect the songs structure and content?
Audience
Saudi Arabia The rest of the world

Purpose
Mock Saudi Arabias ban on female drivers Spread awareness of the issue Indirectly express disapproval Serve as a metaphor for Saudi Arabian society Foreshadow the future of gender roles within the country

The song was only a satire due to its audience and purpose.

How do culture and context shape language and meaning?

Reactions of Others

Text demonstrated the significance of having background knowledge of both Saudi Arabian culture and the issue being discussed. Misconceptions of language in a cultural context if people dont see the purpose as satire

Interpretations can differ if one does not recognize the text as being a form of satire.
Our perception determines whether we see the text as being offensive or humorous.

Thinking Back
What was your initial reaction to this video? What do you think was the background behind this video?

Do you find this funny or offensive?

What determined your responses to these three questions??

Our prior knowledge and cultural understanding shapes the way we view satire, demonstrating how crucial these two factors are in fully understanding satire.

Bibliography
No Woman, No Drive. (2013, October 26). YouTube. Retrieved November 27, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZMbTFNp4wI Driving May Damage Your Ovaries. (2013, November 08). Latitude Driving May Damage Your Ovaries Comments. Retrieved November 27, 2013, from http://latitude.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/driving-may-damageyour-ovaries/ Shifting gear: Saudi women defy driving ban. (2013, October 27). Features. Retrieved November 27, 2013, from http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/10/shifting-gear-saudiwomen-defy-driving-ban-20131027132853713829.html

Saudi Comic's 'No Woman, No Drive' Video Goes Viral. (2013, October 30). The Huffington Post UK. Retrieved November 27, 2013, from http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/10/30/no-woman-no-drive-videosaudi_n_4176649.html

The End