Unlocking the Cultural Satire in Borat: Cultural Learnings of America
Sacha Baron Cohen’s infamous character Borat Sagdiyev first graced our screens in 2006. The mockumentary-style comedy film, Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, takes a satirical look at American society through the eyes of a fictional Kazakh journalist.
At a surface level, the film is simply a crude comedy with numerous shocking and controversial scenes. However, upon closer inspection, Borat is a masterful cultural critique that exposes deeper issues in modern American culture.
Dehumanization of the ‘Other’
Throughout the film, Borat is consistently portrayed as being foreign, ignorant, and backward. His broken English, outdated cultural references, and socially unacceptable behavior all contribute to an ongoing dehumanization of the character.
This perpetuation of ‘othering’ is a reflection of the real-world treatment of immigrants or any minority groups that are not perceived to conform to the societal norm. By constantly highlighting his differences, Borat becomes a vehicle through which the audience can explore their own biases and prejudices.
Exposing Ignorance
As Borat travels across America, engaging with various people, we witness how cultural ignorance can manifest in harmful ways. The film exposes how Americans are often not aware of the cultural sensitivities of other countries and customs. From Borat’s behavior in a Jewish synagogue to his public nudity in a hotel elevator, the film is filled with instances where cultural norms are violated.
Through humor, the film’s exaggerated and hyperbolic style allows for a critical examination of cultural stereotypes, while also causing audiences to question their own preconceived notions about other cultures.
Satirical Look at American Society
Beyond Borat’s interactions with individuals, the film serves as a satirical critique of American society at large. The film shows how people are willing to accept Borat’s ridiculous behavior and even engage in it themselves.
This satire highlights the power structures and social hierarchies in American society, where a wealthy white man like Borat’s producer, Azamat Bagatov, can use their privilege to exploit and manipulate people. The film also exposes other areas of American society, such as excessive consumerism and the corrupting influence of media.
Conclusion
While on the surface the film may seem like simply a crude comedy, Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan is a perceptive and astute critique of American society. Through showcasing the ignorance, prejudice and dehumanization of the ‘other’ that is embedded in western culture, the film forces viewers to question their own biases and assumptions.
Borat’s absurd behavior and situations are not solely for comedic purposes, but instead act as a device through which we can explore the various injustices that exist in society. Ultimately, the film is a powerful tool for cultural education and promotes an understanding of different cultures, and challenges us all to look more deeply, both outward and inward.
