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Spring 2008 Lecture Series
Five(5) Monday Evenings - March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28 - 7:00-9:00pm
Humor and Satire in Politics
Humor and satire in politics can ease or fan tensions, abet or derail negotiations, make or break political careers. Indulging in "national," regional, or ethnic humors can reveal real misunderstandings of what's subtle, satirical, or ironic depending on local cultures, self-perceptions, and language idioms. The very contrast in reactions (ranging from amused to angry) is often the nub that makes incidents humorous. As communications wizardry push peoples more closely together, opportunities for misunderstandings will increase. Consumer tastes and habits may become homogenized, but national and ethnic humors will continue to test acceptability thresholds and pit outsiders vs. insiders--at times providing relief to tense moments, at times provoking outrage and politics of anger.
March 31 |
British Satire and Politics, 1789-1832 |
Gary Dyer, Cleveland State University |
April 7 |
French Humor in World War I |
Allen Douglas, Indiana University |
April 14 |
Contemporary American Humor and Satire |
Steven Hayward, John Carroll University |
April 21 |
Russian and Soviet Humor |
Bruce Adams, University of Louisville |
April 28 |
Modern American Satire in Politics and Cartoons |
Judith Yaross Lee, Ohio University |
Series Fee: $75 per person or $125 for two.
For more information contact: 216/397-4780. |
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