https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NkD9FDMVxMzy7uMj4fr4iYLjv4tS5jlU/view?usp=sharing
Reflection:
Parody
- In exploring parody as a comedic form, one dives into the art of imitation and exaggeration to highlight absurdities or contrast within a subject matter. Parody often relies on subverting expectations, twisting tropes, and exploiting language or conceptual vagueness to evoke laughter. This week’s readings and discussions have emphasised the importance of context, timing, and cultural references in creating effective parodies.
- In particular, our exploration of theories of humour, such as incongruity theory and superiority theory, sheds light on how parody functions to disrupt expectations and highlight the absurdities present in everyday life. Parody can also allow creators to satirise serious topics or societal norms, providing a lens in which audiences can reflect on and critique the world around them.
- The sketch of ‘The Group Presentation’ on a Zoom call embodies the core of parody by taking a serious topic, euthanasia, and twisting it into a misunderstanding about “Youth In Asia.” This play on words sets the stage for comedic confusion as one member of the group mistakenly presents information about euthanasia instead of the intended topic. The incongruity between the intended subject matter and the actual presentation creates a comedic tension that is further heightened by the virtual setting of the Zoom call. Moreover, the sketch responds to the constraints and concepts of parody by exaggerating the misunderstanding to ridiculous proportions. As the individual presents their segment on euthanasia, regardless of the error, the audience witnesses the escalation of comedic misunderstandings and awkwardness. This exaggeration serves to highlight the miscommunication and the pitfalls of group collaboration, tapping into the superiority theory of humour as the audience laughs at the characters’ misfortune.
- The use of the Zoom call as the setting adds an additional layer of parody by satirising the challenges of remote communication and virtual teamwork that everyone experienced during covid lockdown. The awkward pauses and miscommunications inherent in online meetings are exaggerated for comedic effect, resonating with audiences familiar with the frustrations of virtual collaboration.
- In conclusion, the sketch effectively employs parody as a comedic form to highlight the absurdities of miscommunication, linguistic ambiguity, and virtual teamwork. By subverting expectations and exaggerating the misunderstandings inherent in group presentations, the sketch provides a humorous commentary on the pitfalls of human interaction in the digital age.