Please read this article from the online satirical newspaper The Onion. It is an example of satire because it is humorous, but also because it criticizes common perceptions about reading in our society. Do you agree that reading is sometimes viewed as a strange hobby? Why is that? Remember that some of your were quick to emphasize (in the comments on the Lazy Days post) that you did not read over Christmas break! Why do many of you read only when it is required for class? Why do some of you rush to finish your assignments so you can continue your SSR book? How could teachers improve your opinions of reading?
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Satire
My loose definition of satire is "a work of literature that mocks social conventions." You might be familiar with satirical examples from popular culture such as The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live, and the Colbert Report even if you didn't know that is what they are called. While one of their purposes is humor, their underlying goal is to criticize various elements of society such as politics, religion, and family life. So, even though you may enjoy a few laughs while watching Colbert interrupt his guests and make outrageous statements, he is actually ridiculing the actions of public figures who often do the same things to a lesser degree.
Please read this article from the online satirical newspaper The Onion. It is an example of satire because it is humorous, but also because it criticizes common perceptions about reading in our society. Do you agree that reading is sometimes viewed as a strange hobby? Why is that? Remember that some of your were quick to emphasize (in the comments on the Lazy Days post) that you did not read over Christmas break! Why do many of you read only when it is required for class? Why do some of you rush to finish your assignments so you can continue your SSR book? How could teachers improve your opinions of reading?
Please read this article from the online satirical newspaper The Onion. It is an example of satire because it is humorous, but also because it criticizes common perceptions about reading in our society. Do you agree that reading is sometimes viewed as a strange hobby? Why is that? Remember that some of your were quick to emphasize (in the comments on the Lazy Days post) that you did not read over Christmas break! Why do many of you read only when it is required for class? Why do some of you rush to finish your assignments so you can continue your SSR book? How could teachers improve your opinions of reading?
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49 comments:
Students now days are wrapped up in the new technologies, from ipods to cell phones it amaze us. I do read but I guess it seems too old fashioned for teens. I love the Colbert repot simply because you do get a look at what is going on in the world but also you get a dose of humor and to teenagers mocking higher political people is like being rebellious and I guess that’s why we like it so much. It defies all the other informational channels because it also mocks people for their ignorant remarks and actions. That and I don’t like bush and anyone who makes fun of him is A ok in my book.
I really like satire, Saturday Night Live is one of my favorites! I will have to check the Onion out, I’ve heard about, I just haven’t checked it out yet.
I don’t think that students view reading as a strange hobby, it just isn’t as popular as other hobbies. These days everything is so fast paced that doing something like reading seems boring to some people.
I don’t really know what all teachers could do to improve students opinions of reading. I think that as long as the book students are reading isn’t very slowly paced and that the book is interesting, then students’ opinion of books will hopefully improve.
Although I don't get to watch Saturday Night Live very often any more, I do remember watching it when I was younger with my brothers. Reading to me is both a strange hobby and not a strange hobby at the same time. It is strange to many students because we are not use to haveing to read all the time so we fell our hobby time with radio or internet or ipods. Reading is also not a strange hobby to me because just like linsday said reading has become un popular and there are what teenagers consider more exciting hobbies. My opinion of reading is being improved just by reading my SSR book every day in your class.
You are right about hearing satire but not knowing what it is called. I hear comedians all the time poking fun at different religions and family values.
As for reading… I love it. I began reading young, and the love I have for it hasn’t ever died. My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks. At the moment I am reading one of his newest books The Choice. SSR is my favorite part of the day. I long for the days that were provided in elementary school that were devoted solely to reading our favorite book. (Maybe that’s something we should work on.) at this point I believe there isn’t much a teacher can do to improve a student’s view of reading. I feel like it is a love that you come in contact with at a young age.
Saturday Night Live is one of my all time favorite shows. It’s really fun to watch and laugh at. But I can’t say that I knew there was a specific name for it. Anyway I do enjoy stuff like that. However at the same time I love to read just as much as I enjoy watching TV if not more. I think that society today has made reading such an “un-cool” thing to do that people don’t read in fear of what other people will think of them. So they keep their focus and interests in fast pace activities that the media and society say are more acceptable. Which could eventually become a problem. Because when people don’t read they are not educating themselves, and this can lead to our nation becoming more and more un-educated. So I think that reading is a great hobby to have even if people do think that you’re a little odd.
Some people may think reading is a strange hobby because to some people, it isn't the "cool" thing to do. Alot of people just don't like to read, and so that is why they do not do it unless it is required. But I on the other hand, love nothing more than to curl up in bed and read a good book, while listening to the rain. It is so peaceful. Teachers could improve reading skills by making the students read something they choose or want to read, like SSR. Making students read a certain book, that may not be that interesting to them, could make them not want to read anymore.
For teenagers, reading is an odd hobby. This is mostly because all the new things are coming out, and teenagers are making hobbies out of them instead. For me, I am really picky about what I read, but if the book I'm reading is an assignment I will read it anyway and not care that it is something I would never pick up and read on my own. On the other hand, some teenagers pick up reading as one of their favorite things to do in their spare time. I don't really think this is too odd. After all, a book can teach the reader something meaningful. Teachers sometimes make reading out to be a long task with hard questions at the end of each chapter. Reading really shouldn't be veiwed this way. All it takes is annotating a little bit in the book to keep you on track of what's happening in the story. The SSR activity has encouraged students to pick up a book to read on their own time without it being an assignment. This has improved many non readers' opinions and has made reading fun.
I did like the Onion article. The subject in itself is something that I never really considered before. I do not think, however, that reading is an odd hobby to have. Today, reading is just something that is becoming a rarity. I know plenty of people that say they would like to read more but are unable to find the time. I myself am one of those people. It is an understandable reason considering the fast paced world that we live in. Even so, we are able to find the time for other things that we like to do. I believe that saying we are too busy just means that there are other things that we would rather do in our spare time. With the advances in technology, more and more diversions are going to be available to us, and considering that fact, I am afraid that the down turn in hobby readers is going to continue. All of us should, though, try and make the time for a little bit of reading, because reading provides not just entertainment, but also a way to expand our knowledge at the same time.
I would say there are mainly two reasons most people do not like to read anymore. We all know that not having the time is just an excuse most of the time. Trust me I know I have many of those nights I stay up until sometimes four in the morning to get things done, but sometimes it takes me that long to get to sleep because I read. I read because I like to and it makes me feel smart and just lets me get away sometimes. So either people don't like to read and aren't good at it, or it's like Ashton says and who knows people don't want to look smart or something. It kind of leads into a stereotype. If you read your a dork. Gosh forbid you look smart. But reading is great and I love it, I wish more people would learn to love it, too.
I believe that reading is becoming a "strange hobby". The Onion article was excellent-very funny, and accurate! Recently while I was reading during the extra time in my fourth period before class was let out, someone asked me why was I reading when everyone else was texting inside of their purses and talking loudly to one another? She implied that reading was only an anti-social activity and truly did not understand that I was reading during the last ten minutes of class just for pleasure. Reading is a foreign, strange thing. I also really believe that whether you enjoy reading or not has to do with how you were raised. I am not sure how you could ever make something enjoyable to someone who just doesn't enjoy it.
I will admit that I love Saturday Night Live, it has always been one of my favorites. Satires can be very funny, but sometimes I think that show can take it a little too far also.
When it comes to reading, I definately can say I love it. Sitting down with a good book is one of my favorite things. And I will also say that I don't enjoy reading for school very often, unless the book is my choice or the book is good. Some of my friends make fun of me for reading all the time, even in loud places I can still tune everything out to read a good book. So I don't really have that problem. I think that the kids that don't enjoy reading is from teachers and schools forcing boring non-fulfilling books. They should encourage one of your own choice, that is why SSR is a great idea. If more schools did SSR, it would help students tremendously to learn to love reading.
Every Saturday i watch SNL and i love it. Satire is something my friends and I use everyday in our conversations. Wierd I know but thats us. I have never heard of the Onion i'll definately need to check it out.
I personally love reading,and i get real excited when it's SSR time. Reading was like a chore but know I can not wait get into a great book.
I would have to agree with you that many teens find Saturday Night Live very entertaining and watch it almost religiously. I would have to say that my personal favorite is Family Guy, I watch it almost every night.
I think the reason students don’t like to read when assigned but yet get so into their SSR books is for the simple fact that when we read our SSR books we aren’t told specifically how many pages we have to read. When you or any teacher for that manner assigns us so many pages to do we feel obligated that we HAVE to find time in our day to do it. But when we just get to read on our own it’s exciting and new.
I think the reason most students do not like to read anymore is simply because of all the technology we have now. From iPods to cell phones to Xbox 360's there is just too much to satisfy our time instead of reading. Personally I read almost every night before I go to sleep, it's a great way to relax the mind. I think SSR has helped me be more interested in reading rather than switching on my Xbox and wasting my time staring at the TV.
As kids get older and see more things in life, their reading might slip away. Today kids, older kids, have more stuff to do than to read. Some days we might have a little free time and decide to read A book to past the time, but that might not happen so much.
I usually go outside and shoot basketball, run around my neighborhood, or even record A new song I just came up with. I'm not saying that reading is the most boring thing in the world, because it is not.
Alot of kids do not like to read as much anymore, now that we got stuff like PSP, IPOD, and escpecially cellphones. I see alot of teenagers on their cellphones and other technology instead of reading a book. The place I probably read A book the most is in class during SSR.
I do not usually read books alot, because I do not have enough time to read A whole book on my own. It is because I play alot of sports, and when I do not have sports I have to train to get better ,or do homework.
SSR is great. It has helped me have 10-15 minutes in class to read my book that I barely get to reead at home. I used to read A couple of pages at my house and then had to stop,so that I could do my homework or go to practice. This semester in English I have read more than 300 pages of the book. I'm reading this book about the music business. It is A good book. I never had A book with 500 pages in it, but ever since I started reading.
It did not seem that much of A deal. SSR helped me become A little faster and better at reading.
I do agree that reading is a strange habit. Even though you don’t read a lot, you still feel the joy of it when you are required to.Instead of reading we tend to lean to using our cell phones or getting on the computer in our spare time. When we are required to read, most of us enjoy it because it always seems like we may never have time to get into a good book. I know that when I start to read I just can’t stop. Teachers could change our outlook on reading by giving us time in class to read. It would help us have time to get a good book in. I think that more students would read if they just had time.
Reading can become a strange hobby if you let it. It can consume all of your time. I only read when it is required mostly because I just don't have the time to just read. The SSR book im reading is very interesting so I guess I just like to read it.
Family Guy is also another form of satire that is on television. It makes fun of political events and popular people.
I don't watch television that much anymore so I am not always around satirical examples on television. On the other hand I actually love to read. I read books all the time and get made fun and called a nerd for reading. I don't like all books but if I get into it then I can't put the book down.
I loved that article it's really interesting. I love Saturday Night Live its hilarious. I don't think reading a strange hobby. Its just something people like to do a lot like I play guitar, some people like to draw, and others like to play a sport. I definately wouldn't take up reading as a hobby. Though I am really enjoying my SSR book. I am starting to like reading a lot more than I used to. I used to hate it.
Saturday night live is halarious!! I love the older ones with Will Ferell etc. Anytime that someone makes fun of politcal figures is a great laugh.
Reading can be a strange hobby since many people would rather stay home on a friday night and read. A reason for why I only read for class is because it is a required assignment and I consider it as homework so I feel obligated to do it. Ever since we have started ssr reading can be fun as long as you can find a book you enjoy. Occasionally I do like to finish my work to read my ssr book because it can be very entertaining. Teachers could change my opinion by letting us read more books that we enjoy instead of what our teacher likes.
I do not believe reading is a strange hobby. Maybe its because my mom always read when I was younger.I enjoy reading as a hobby. I can see how people may believe that reading for a hobby is a strange thing, because sometimes class reading assignments are not always the most exciting.
I agree reading is a strange hobby. I understand that people get into their books, but it seems kinda boring to me. Maybe I just think that it is strange because I don't read that much. I mainly only read when it's required for class because it is required and so you have to do it. What I do like about SSR, though, is that we choose our own books to read. I would enjoy reading in school more if I could choose a book that relates more to me. Teachers could improve my opion of reading by doing what you're doing and letting us choose books and not forcing us to read a certain one that doesn't intrest us. Maybe one day I will find some time to read a full book on my own time and by choice rather then being forced.
I have to admit, satire is one of my favorite things in the world, unless its taken to far. But, Reading these days seems to be a strange hobby to some since there are so much more technological things in our world today. Its like why read when you can listen to your ipod or check myspace or anything practically on the internet.
I have to admit, satire is one of my favorite things in the world, unless its taken to far. But, Reading these days seems to be a strange hobby to some since there are so much more technological things in our world today. Its like why read when you can listen to your ipod or check myspace or anything practically on the internet.
Saturday Night Live is one of my favorite shows. Even though they make fun of people, they are still funny. Thats how they make money.
I don't think students view reading as a strange hobby. People do it all over the world.
Teachers could change students opinions of reading by letting us read books we actually like, rather than boring ones we don't care about.
SSR time is probably one of my favorite times of the day except for lunch. The reason I don't read as much as I should is probably because I have trouble finding a book that keeps my interests. I do like the book I am reading now in class by Charles Barkley, titled "Who's Afraid of a Large Black Man?". It tells of how people such as Tiger Wood, Barack Obama, Samuel L. Jackson, and other famous names and their struggles with racism. Maybe reading should be a bigger part of my day, but sometimes I just can't manage to find time.
Everyone wants humor in their life. So i believe actors making humor skits about political issues is no big deal. After all, it is what they are hired to do.
Saturday Night Live is one of my favorite shows! I have grown up watching it snd it is a show that my family loves to watch together. Anyways, I am not gonna lie, I don't read as much as I should. But it's not because I don't like it, I just do not have time. The only time I really sit down and read is in the mornings when I wake up and have my devotional with God. When I come home from school I have to go to work and on the days that I am off I am usually stuck spending most of my time on homework. I really do wish I had more time to read because reading enhances your knowledge and your skills in school.
I love the Colbert Report! My brother and I watch it all the time. I haven't read The Onion though, so I guess that's something I need to do. I really enjoy reading as long as it's something that I have selected. I don't think it's a strange hobby, but you're right, it is becoming more and more scarce.
I feel as if usually when we read a book in class, they always ask the same questions about it, such as: the theme, main characters, allusions, etc. I think a way that teachers could approve our opinion about reading is let us read something of our own interest from time to time and allow us to answer those same questions about the book.
Nowadays with the internet, playstation, and cell phones, most people just don't read anymore. I do read, but probably not as much as I should. I used to love reading, now it seems as if I really never have time anymore, between work and school, so I look forward to our SSR time. I think that some teens only read when they are required to is because they haven't really found a book that grabs ahold of them and doesn't let go until the last page, or maybe they read one bad book and can't seem to get over that. Overall, I think reading is an amazing pasttime and I wish I had more time for it.
Frequently students find it strange ,with all the technology of our day, to read books for fun. Most students really do spend hopeless hours of their days on the internet or watching television. If watching a movie only takes 2 hours, then why would students spend so much time reading a book? Books really are intriguing but students don’t seem to take the time to get immersed in a good book. Once students see that books really are enjoyable, which is how most feel while reading for SSR, they want to continue to read. I truly enjoy reading and sometimes while reading a good book forget that I was reading rather then watching a movie.
Im not really sure as to why teens dont take much interest into reading, maybe its all the new technology that interests them. Now days reading is mostly likely only done when forced upon teens. Its like those who read are unusual and arn’t normal. I know the only time I really read is when it is forced upon me, it’s like I just don’t take much interest in reading I'm always doing something else. the only way that I know that teachers can improve your opinions of reading is by really introducing it to you. Most teens don't understand reading all that much and if they were tought more about reading the more they could learn to like it very much.
Seeing a teenager read a book without there being an assignment aftwerwards is a strange sight to see these days. Most kids would rather be hanging out with friends, going out to places, or just anything but reading. Reading isnt as emphasized as it use to be when we were younger. Reading is something to help us with our vocabulary and grammar. But, as we get older we think we know all there is to know ahout how to make a sentence or use our grammar correctly. When I was in middle school my mom made me read books all through the summer and I know look back and notice how my reading scores were high. Now they are so, so, but I know reading is something we take for granted and should remember to pick up a book every once in awhile.
I agree with Leann students today are definitely more interested in technological things such as ipods and cell phones. I don't read very often unless it is for school or for some other reason. It is not really a hobby of mine. I don't believe that reading is a boring hobby it is just something I do not have alot of time for. The book I am reading for SSR I am really enjoying. I've read it before but now I get to go back and maybe get more details I missed the first time. But I do enjoy watching shows like Saturday Night Live it brings humor to serious topics. That is why I don't like to watch regular news channels they are way to serious. I can't really figure out how to work that onion thing so i will try to get it to work later.
Yes. The article was definitely humorous, but I don’t think I like satire at all. I’m actually a little embarrassed because I feel like they are making fun of me! I feel like a dork sometimes, because I really like to read, and reading is certainly viewed as a strange hobby. I think maybe many people don’t really give it a chance, though. It’s way too easy for people to watch TV. Personally, I think reading is way more addicting than a movie or Myspace, but my past English teachers probably have a lot to do with that.
I do belive that reading is a strange hobby for most teenagers today. They are too wrapped up in the technological things like video games and cell phones. I don't normally read unless it's for school. I am a very picky reader. The book has to catch my attention otherwise, i get bored with it and stop reading. I really do wish i could read more though.
There are many different excuses to why reading isn't as important anymore to teens today. As we are getting older, we are taking on many different responsibilities that consume our lives. Many of us today have after school jobs that sometimes last until 10 at night, or sports that drain all of our energy. The main excuse that there is just no time is the most common of all. Like Rachel said, I am sometimes up until 3 and 4 in the morning trying to get things done, and still I haven’t finished everything. On occasion, when I do have some free time, I’ll read a little bit here and there. It’s mainly during the summer that I read. I’ll go lay out by my pool and have a book at my side to keep me entertained. Other than that, I usually only read when it’s required by one of my teachers. The only thing I hate about that, is that most of the time, they choose the book I need to read. Now I am a very particular person, especially when it comes to books. The only types of books I enjoy reading are the ones that involve mysteries or adventure. But don’t get me wrong, I love to read books that relate to teen girls like myself. They sometimes seem to offer advice, which is always appreciated. So in order to make their students “want” to read rather than make them read because they “have” to, teachers should try and figure out what most of their students enjoy reading. That way, more students will become enchanted in their books, while at the same time, be feeling a “want” to read more.
I'm with Erika and Tyler I love Saturday Night Live and things of that sort. I don't dislike reading really its just a never make time to do it. I'm always at cheerleading and with my friends or doing homework. By that time i'm so exhausted I just want too sleep. I'm glad we have SSR though cause it gives me a chance to read since I don't get a chance to outside of school.
Reading is seen as borring because its all in your head no one else sees what you see.
Well satire i like it. I love the Simposons and the Colbert report. They are so funny and it is a news i actually like to watch if that makes since. i learn from humor its easy to. I think it is alright and great to have. I am also glad i finally figured out how to post this blog.
I personally have never read out side of the school setting not because I don’t want to but because I have never found the time. I do find interest in reading books when I get the chance to read them. Therefore I can understand why books are so important to some people. If I had the choice I would try to find the time to read but it is just not there sadly. Maybe as I get older and I will find the time to read.
Yes. I agree that it is an unusual hobby. We do not see many people reading this day and age when there is so much technology. It is so much easier to just whip out a phone and text or call someone. I do not read on my own time simply because I feel I have better things to do. It is a very strang hobby but I say good for them. We learn more through reading then tv, ipods, internet surfing, and CELL PHONES!
I don't know any way to make students want to read. To be truthful I was not happy to have to read another article besides your short blog. I would rather be watching tv. I just need a grade!
Teenagers today are more interested in technology and what is popular. I think for most of the students we rush to get our work done to read because it is the only chance all day we get to indulge in the book. I wish that teachers would give us more time to read like the ten minutes you give us. It would open up vocabulary and just the interest in reading for all the students.
About Saturday Night Live though, Im not sure I have even seen a full episode. I have never heard of the onion, I guess Im just not much of a tv watcher, but I think that is a good thing.
Reading has always been a hobby for me, and to a lot of people its strange that I bring a book to every class, just in case I get a couple of minutes to read as much as I can. Most students want something that makes noise or is considered popular to occupy their time. Such as watching a scary movie, or listening to their Ipod. Also, most students don’t make time for reading in their schedule. They would rather be watching television than broadening their vocabulary and learning to use their imaginations with reading. I think the 10 minutes in your class has effected a lot of people for the better, and hopefully more people will find reading interesting instead of just staring blankly at the pages. Hopefully SSR has impacted others as much as it has impacted me.
I usually only read outside of a school type setting, when and if I have to. We read 24/7. We read the news, billboards, papers, assignments, tvs, ect. I personally don't enjoying reading. I am starting to enjoy it more and more from being in your class. I love the idea of having SSR everyday. I just wish it could be longer!
Reading now in high school is starting to become an important skill to have. Students who read in their spare time I do not consider to have a "weird" pastime. Even though i dont enjoy reading as much as some people, I do find the occasional book to be interesting.
to tell you the truth I hate to read.Here lately though I've been liking it a little more.My book keeps my attention when usually I can't get past the first page.I do have to admit that you are correct.I catch myself trying to finish as fast as possible so i can read my book.I think that reading is not often a hobby because now days for just about every book there's a movie.We tend to say why read the book in two weeks when you get the same concept from the movie in roughly two hours?Its only because we are living in a very technological nation.We are used to getting everything at the push of a button.
Im not a strong reader ,but i realize that there is more truth in a book and can learn more from them. Since this semester doing ssr i have started to like reading like while I was out i actually read some normaly i would just sleep and watch t.v.. The thing is it grew on me so I actually have started reading
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