Christine Wenc's 'Funny Because It's True' calls 'The Onion' "the original fake news"
In NPR's Book of the Day podcast, author Christine Wenc offers insights into the origins and evolution of the iconic satirical news outlet, The Onion. The blurb explores how The Onion emerged from Madison, Wisconsin's affordable creative scene, starting as an absurdist, Letterman-inspired tabloid before shifting toward more incisive political satire.
Wenc examines The Onion's role in news satire, characterizing it as practising "good fake news" that uses irony and wit to highlight societal flaws. The blurb delves into how the publication's humor and formatting evolved to blend satire seamlessly with credible news presentation, lending its critiques greater impact.
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The Origins and Early History of The Onion
The Onion, a satirical news outlet, emerged from Madison, Wisconsin's affordable environment for youthful creative experimentation during a resurgence of alternative weeklies. Its early staff, featuring local improv comedians, embraced an absurdist, tabloid-like humor largely inspired by David Letterman, aiming for laughs through clever, multilayered irony rather than overt political commentary.
Evolution of The Onion's Style and Humor
As The Onion progressed under editor Rob Siegel, the publication adopted more progressive political satire. Siegel recalls a debate over an abortion bumper sticker marking this pivotal shift toward clear stances on issues. The style also evolved from an absurdist tabloid to an Associated Press-like format, lending credibility to make the satire impactful while seeming like trusted news.
The Onion's Role in News Satire
The Onion significantly raised its profile with a tasteful, comic relief-providing issue following 9/11, according to Christine Wenc. She characterizes The Onion as practising "good fake news" -- using satire to highlight societal flaws for reform, rather than the harmful "bad fake news" of disinformation meant to destabilize shared reality.
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Counterarguments
- While The Onion may have originated in an affordable environment, it's possible that other factors also played a significant role in its success, such as the unique talents of its staff or the cultural climate of the time.
- The assertion that The Onion's early humor was largely inspired by David Letterman could be contested by noting that satire has a long history and The Onion may have drawn from a wider array of comedic influences.
- The shift toward more progressive political satire under Rob Siegel might be seen as alienating to some readers who preferred the non-partisan absurdist humor, suggesting that the change could have had both positive and negative effects on its audience.
- The transition to an Associated Press-like format for credibility could be criticized for potentially blurring the lines between satire and real news, which might confuse some readers.
- The claim that The Onion provided tasteful comic relief post-9/11 could be subjective, as humor in the wake of tragedy can be polarizing and not everyone may have found it appropriate.
- The idea that The Onion uses satire to highlight societal flaws for reform could be challenged by arguing that the impact of satire on actual social reform is difficult to measure and may not be as direct or significant as suggested.
- The distinction between "good fake news" and "bad fake news" might be criticized for oversimplifying the complex landscape of media, where the intention behind and interpretation of satirical content can vary widely among different audiences.
Actionables
- You can explore local improv comedy scenes to enhance your creative thinking by attending shows, participating in workshops, or even joining an improv group. This exposure to on-the-spot creativity can sharpen your wit and help you think more flexibly in your personal and professional life.
- Develop a personal writing practice that incorporates multilayered irony by starting a blog or a journal where you tackle everyday observations with a humorous twist. This can improve your communication skills and provide a creative outlet that challenges you to see the world from different angles.
- Use satire responsibly in your social media posts to raise awareness about societal issues you care about. By crafting thoughtful, satirical content that highlights flaws for potential reform, you can engage your network in meaningful discussions without spreading disinformation.
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The Origins and Early History of the Onion
The Onion Started As a Madison, Wisconsin Alternative Weekly
The Onion, now widely known for its satirical take on news and culture, started as a modest project in Madison, Wisconsin. It was part of the resurgence of alternative weeklies, capturing the spirit of the times with its quirky and experimental approach to journalism.
The Onion Began as Alternative Weeklies Resurged, Aided by Madison's Affordable Living for Creative Youth Experimentation
Emerging during a period where alternative weeklies gained popularity, The Onion took advantage of Madison's affordable cost of living, which lent itself to creative experimentation among youthful demographics. This bustling environment served as a fertile ground for The Onion's inception, allowing it to thrive as a burgeoning outlet for unconventional news.
Early Onion Staff: Diverse Backgrounds, Local Improv Comedians, Absurdist, Tabloid Sensibility, Influenced by David Letterman
The early contributors to The Onion brought with them an eclectic mix of talents and backgrounds, significantly shaping the publication's initial tone and comedic style. Local improv comedians were among the core writing staff, delivering a blend of humor that was both absurdist in nature and tabloid-like in execution. Largely influenced by the late-night show antics of David Letterman, The Onion's early issues reflected a humor that was goofy and multilayered but less politi ...
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The Origins and Early History of the Onion
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Actionables
- You can explore your comedic voice by starting a satirical blog or social media page. Choose a niche you're passionate about and create content that parodies current events or cultural phenomena in that area. For example, if you're into technology, you might write humorous, exaggerated articles about the latest gadget trends or mock interviews with fictional tech moguls.
- Collaborate with friends from various backgrounds to create a diverse comedy sketch group. Each member can bring their unique perspective to the table, leading to a rich mix of ideas. You might meet weekly to brainstorm and produce short, humorous videos or audio sketches that you can share online.
- Experiment with different humor styles in your ev ...
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Evolution of the Onion's Style and Humor
The Onion, known for its satirical take on news and current events, has not only made readers laugh but also evolved in its approach to humor and the issues it tackles.
The Onion Editors Added More Progressive Political Satire
Under the guidance of editor Rob Siegel, The Onion began taking more defined stances on pressing issues. Siegel recalled a turning point involving a debate on an abortion bumper sticker. This marked the beginning of The Onion's shift toward including progressive political satire.
Clear, Progressive Stance On Presenting Abortion Issue
The publication started advocating for ordinary people. Though it sometimes made fun of them, it ultimately indicated a progressive voice in their political point of view. The progressive stances taken on issues like abortion reflected a significant shift in The Onion's tone and content, signaling an era where humor was also a form of clear political commentary.
The Onion's Style Evolved From Absurdist Tabloid To Its Signa ...
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Evolution of the Onion's Style and Humor
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Counterarguments
- The shift towards more progressive political satire could alienate some readers who preferred the Onion's earlier apolitical or absurdist humor.
- Taking a clear stance on issues like abortion might compromise the perceived neutrality of satire, as it could be seen as advocacy rather than pure comedy.
- While advocating for ordinary people is commendable, it's important to ensure that the humor does not inadvertently patronize or misrepresent the very groups it aims to support.
- The evolution to an AP-like format, while lending credibility, might also blur the lines between satire and real news ...
Actionables
- You can sharpen your critical thinking by analyzing the satirical elements in different news sources. Start by picking a current event and read about it from a traditional news outlet. Then, find a satirical take on the same event from a source like The Onion. Compare the two to understand how satire can reveal underlying truths or criticisms about the event. This exercise can help you discern the subtle ways in which media can shape public opinion.
- Enhance your writing skills by creating your own satirical articles on local issues. Choose a topic that affects your community, like a new policy or a public figure's decision, and write a satirical piece that mimics the style of credible journalism. This practice can improve your ability to convey criticism or highlight absurdities in a polished, convincing manner.
- Develop empath ...
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The Onion's Role in News Satire and Response to Events
The Onion plays a unique and significant role in the media landscape, utilizing satire in response to events and highlighting the contrast between "good fake news" and "bad fake news."
The Onion's Post-9/11 Issue Provided Comic Relief and Perspective, Significantly Raising Its Profile and Influence During a Tense Time
The Onion's Tasteful Post-9/11 Satire Showed Its Genre-Leading Power
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, The Onion published its first issue, which managed to provide comic relief and a fresh perspective during an immensely tense period. Their clever and humorous approach to the tragedy resonated with many, resulting in a doubling of readership for the publication. Its tasteful post-9/11 satire not only provided levity but also commented on the situation, which significantly raised The Onion's profile and influence.
The post-9/11 issue featured headlines that skillfully used humor to reflect on the situation, capturing the attention of readers seeking a means to cope during such a challenging time. This strategy ultimately elevated The Onion's brand in the world of satire.
The Onion's Commitment to "Good Fake News" Versus Harmful "Bad Fake News" Remains Relevant in Modern Media
The Onion's Mission to Use Satire to Highlight Societal Flaws Differs From the Malicious Intent Behind False Information
Christine Wenc refers to The Onion as a pr ...
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The Onion's Role in News Satire and Response to Events
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Counterarguments
- While The Onion's satire may have provided comic relief after 9/11, some individuals or communities might not have found humor appropriate during such a period of mourning and could have perceived it as insensitive.
- The increase in readership post-9/11 does not necessarily equate to a long-term influence or a sustained rise in The Onion's profile; it could have been a temporary spike due to the extraordinary circumstances of the time.
- The concept of "good fake news" can be subjective; what The Onion sees as satire, others might misinterpret as misleading or confusing, especially in an era where the distinction between truth and falsehood is increasingly blurred.
- The Onion's intent to educate and reform through satire assumes that audiences are always in on the joke, which may not be the case. Some readers might take s ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal blog or social media page dedicated to satirical commentary on current events, using humor to shed light on societal issues. Start by choosing a topic you're passionate about, then write or create content that uses irony or exaggeration to make a point. For example, if you're concerned about environmental issues, you might create a satirical character who embodies the opposite of eco-friendly behaviors to highlight the absurdity of ignoring climate change.
- Develop a habit of writing down humorous observations about daily life that reveal larger truths. Keep a journal or use a note-taking app to record funny contradictions or hypocrisies you notice in everyday situations. This practice can help you develop a keen eye for satire and improve your ability to communicate complex ideas through humor. For instance, you might note the irony of people buying expensive gym memberships but then taking the elevator instead of the stairs.
- Engage with friends or online communities in discussions that use satire to explore solution ...
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