Satire in Rhetoric

This article from The Onion explores the recurring Western cultural problem of police brutality. There have been multiple incidents of police officer’s getting away with violence, even after the altercation was recorded on a cell phone or other device and viewed by multiple witnesses. This article satirizes the justice system due to the recent murder charges a white South Carolina police officer faced after shooting an unarmed black man.

This article from The Onion explores the recurring Western cultural problem of police brutality. There have been multiple incidents of police officer’s getting away with violence, even after the altercation was recorded on a cell phone or other device and viewed by multiple witnesses. This article satirizes the justice system due to the recent murder charges a white South Carolina police officer faced after shooting an unarmed black man.

The Onion, being a completely satirical news source, is known for reporting current events with satire to create social criticisms for specific and broader issues in society. Throughout this article, sarcasm is the main device that creates effective satirical commentary. In the article North Charleston, SC resident Jenine Williams said “there can be justice for victims so long as a bystander is nearby, has a camera phone on them, captures the whole interaction, and several dozen other circumstances play out in the precise sequence.” The excessive list of needs she provides creates a sarcastic tone by taunting the seemingly impossible necessities for justice to be fulfilled. This illustrates that the justice system relies on chance and certain things that are not in anyone’s control. The article also says that “as long as a fair-minded eyewitness happens to be passing by at the exact right time,” justice can be served. The sarcastic syntax and tone of this quote greatly demonstrates a successful indicator of rhetorical satire. The sarcasm used satirically highlights the broad issues already present within the justice system and the specific issues of police brutality. Satirical rhetoric mocks the judicial authority by emphasizing the flaws, instability, and unrealistic demands.

The Onion, being a completely satirical news source, is known for reporting current events with satire to create social criticisms for specific and broader issues in society. Throughout this article, sarcasm is the main device that creates effective satirical commentary. In the article North Charleston, SC resident Jenine Williams said “there can be justice for victims so long as a bystander is nearby, has a camera phone on them, captures the whole interaction, and several dozen other circumstances play out in the precise sequence.” The excessive list of needs she provides creates a sarcastic tone by taunting the seemingly impossible necessities for justice to be fulfilled. This illustrates that the justice system relies on chance and certain things that are not in anyone’s control. The article also says that “as long as a fair-minded eyewitness happens to be passing by at the exact right time,” justice can be served. The sarcastic syntax and tone of this quote greatly demonstrates a successful indicator of rhetorical satire. The sarcasm used satirically highlights the broad issues already present within the justice system and the specific issues of police brutality. Satirical rhetoric mocks the judicial authority by emphasizing the flaws, instability, and unrealistic demands.