Note: Since I didn't have a chance to do a TOW on the first part of this IRB because of my concussion, this is a TOW on the entire book, not just the second half.
I am America by Stephen Colbert is a satirical commentary on American society from the view of an extremely over the top conservative United States citizen. This is the persona Colbert puts on to show the shortcomings of America and to parody similar conservatives that preach many of the views his character does. Throughout this book, Colbert discusses many controversial topics in American politics like education, LGBT rights, immigration, and race, but his tone is neither serious nor informational. He adopts a mocking, superior tone, preaching that his views are, "nothing less than the Constitution" (ix), and that, "your differing view is wrong" (iii). By using this tone, he creates a sense of humor because the ideas he's preaching are clearly wrong and in total opposition to what the audience and and he himself believe. The audience he wrote this book for are his fans, the "Colbert Nation." They are a group of young liberals, the complete opposite of Colbert's persona, but very similar to Colbert. He wrote I am America to pander to entertain them, but also to preach his beliefs, which he does very well. As a whole, this is a funny parody of a serious book about politics. Colbert employs a radically conservative voice and reversal to preach his beliefs, which are actually the complete opposite than what is actually written. For example, when he writes about gay rights, since he is a famous figure who is known for his liberalism, the expected thing would be him being completely for gay rights. However, Colbert flips that and writes about how he is firmly against gay rights, showing how ridiculous the arguments against gay rights is (106). I Am America effectively achieves Stephen Colbert's purpose by mocking conservatives in American politics and parodying corrupt parts of American society.
I am America by Stephen Colbert is a satirical commentary on American society from the view of an extremely over the top conservative United States citizen. This is the persona Colbert puts on to show the shortcomings of America and to parody similar conservatives that preach many of the views his character does. Throughout this book, Colbert discusses many controversial topics in American politics like education, LGBT rights, immigration, and race, but his tone is neither serious nor informational. He adopts a mocking, superior tone, preaching that his views are, "nothing less than the Constitution" (ix), and that, "your differing view is wrong" (iii). By using this tone, he creates a sense of humor because the ideas he's preaching are clearly wrong and in total opposition to what the audience and and he himself believe. The audience he wrote this book for are his fans, the "Colbert Nation." They are a group of young liberals, the complete opposite of Colbert's persona, but very similar to Colbert. He wrote I am America to pander to entertain them, but also to preach his beliefs, which he does very well. As a whole, this is a funny parody of a serious book about politics. Colbert employs a radically conservative voice and reversal to preach his beliefs, which are actually the complete opposite than what is actually written. For example, when he writes about gay rights, since he is a famous figure who is known for his liberalism, the expected thing would be him being completely for gay rights. However, Colbert flips that and writes about how he is firmly against gay rights, showing how ridiculous the arguments against gay rights is (106). I Am America effectively achieves Stephen Colbert's purpose by mocking conservatives in American politics and parodying corrupt parts of American society.
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