5 Ways Pop Culture is Being Satirized on Sister Site of The Onion
As the world grows increasingly fast-paced, our humor must evolve too. Satire has always been a popular form of comedy that brings to light societal and political issues that may otherwise go ignored. The Onion, a satirical news organization, is a prime example of this type of humor. However, in recent years, The Onion has expanded its reach with the introduction of its sister site, The AV Club. The AV Club is a media-focused website that satirizes popular culture. Here are five ways that pop culture is being satirized on the sister site of The Onion.
1. Celebrity Culture
One way that The AV Club satirizes pop culture is by poking fun at celebrity culture. The site regularly publishes articles that call attention to the absurdity of celebrity lifestyles. For example, an article titled “Kim Kardashian Finally Achieves Her Lifelong Dream Of Being In A Lifetime Movie About O.J. Simpson” highlights the questionable morals and values of some celebrities. Through this article, The AV Club shows that not all celebrities are good role models.
2. Nostalgia
The AV Club also satirizes pop culture by poking fun at our love for nostalgia. The site regularly publishes articles that remind us of things from our childhood that we may have forgotten about. However, these articles are often laced with snarky comments and a hint of cynicism. For example, in an article titled “10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Movie ‘Jumanji'”, The AV Club pokes fun at the idea of remaking a classic movie. The site is essentially saying that while we may love our past, it’s time to move on.
3. Social Media
Social media has changed the way we interact with the world, and The AV Club is not shy about satirizing this. The site often publishes articles that call attention to the absurdity of social media trends. For example, in an article titled “Close-Knit Facebook Group Devolves Into Shrieking Tribal Council”, The AV Club calls attention to the group mentality that can happen on social media platforms. The site is pointing out that social media can be a double-edged sword, providing both connection and division.
4. Consumerism
Another way that The AV Club satirizes pop culture is by poking fun at rampant consumerism. The site regularly publishes articles that critique our obsession with the latest gadgets and products. For example, in an article titled “Apple Debuts $999 ‘iPhone X’ That’s Just A Picture Of An iPhone X”, The AV Club highlights the ridiculousness of Apple’s marketing strategies. Through this article, the site is saying that we, as consumers, should be more critical of the products we buy.
5. Fan Culture
Finally, The AV Club satirizes pop culture by poking fun at fan culture. The site regularly publishes articles that call attention to the absurdity of fan behavior. For example, in an article titled “Fans Feel Shortchanged By ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ Only Having One Scene Of Finn Hurting Himself”, The AV Club highlights the ridiculousness of some fans’ expectations. Through this article, the site is suggesting that we should be more appreciative of the art we’re given, rather than demanding more.
In conclusion, The AV Club is an excellent example of how satire can be used to highlight the issues in pop culture. Through the use of snarky comments and a hint of cynicism, the site is challenging us to be more critical of the world around us. By satirizing celebrity culture, nostalgia, social media, consumerism, and fan culture, The AV Club is pointing out areas where we need to be more aware of our actions. As we continue to navigate the fast-paced world of pop culture, The AV Club’s satirical lens will continue to be a helpful tool.
