This clip depicts a scene in the satirical show, The Boondocks. It unveils a message to the Black/African-American society, that they are not living up to the dream of Martin Luther King Jr.. From the clip, we see that satire is used in the language of Dr. King's speech, and also through his diction choice. More noticeably, through his use of the N-word and stereotypical views he saw in our current society.
How did the creators of The Boondocks want to portray Martin Luther King Jr in this clip? What are some examples of this?
Looking at the clip, how is the setting depicted before Dr. King makes his speech? And what is meant by the scene as a whole?
What could be a common theme for this speech going into Martin Luther King Day? Is or is not his dream still alive today? Does the clips, Martin Luther King Jr. agree or disagree with you?
Before Dr. King's speech, the video depicts a setting that a lot of African-American people are dancing, having fun and a few are fighting in the hall before Dr.King's speech. Nobody is paying attention to Dr.King who is going to speak. Dr.King seems to be unsatisfied with this scene, which leads to his speech later.
ReplyDeleteThis clip was interesting because it started out with a very light, joking attitude. In my mind, I didn't think anything serious was going to come from it; I thought it was just making a mockery. But through watching the whole clip, it is clear that the author intended to make clear points about African-American culture.
DeleteThis clip was a very touching peace for me. In the beginning I noticed an all to familiar site of African American degrading themselves and living up to the term "ignorant" that was giving to this race many years ago. I found it disturbing that when Dr. King tried to speak no one would listen but yet when he said the "N" word they were all years. This is sad that in today's society African Americans use this word as a term on endearment. In my view Dr. King was portrayed as a frustrated leader who gave to much to see such little progress. The scene as a whole should have been a learning lesson in which we as people would be surprised to hear Dr. King speak like that as he would be ashamed to see how African Americans act today. Dr. King's dream is still alive but has many rough edges.
ReplyDeleteThe beginning of this clip depicts Martin Luther King Jr. attempting to win the attention of a group of African Americans who, intently engaged in drinking, dancing, or brawling, fail to hear his message. Only when he uses a racial slur do they turn their focus to his speech. He then expresses his distaste and disappointment and reprimands them for falling prey to a culture that degrades them. It seems that perhaps Doctor King is horrified of what his dream for his people to “drink from the rivers of prosperity” has turned into. It appears that while he dreamed of a future where African Americans would be free from oppression, he believes they are still subjugated and held down by ghetto culture and stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteThe setting before Dr. King's speech could be taken as a mockery of society today. The church could represent values that all once had which lay waste to fighting, partying, etc. Dr. King's speech in the clip shows frustration at this. He puts his all into efforts to change only to see it crumble before his very eyes. Dr. King's speech is left to the individual to interrupt but it is relevant to many. Any day that one wakes up and sets out to improve themselves or the world around them is keeping that dream alive today.
ReplyDeleteThe people dancing, drinking, and fighting before MLK gives a speech is portraying the authors depiction of the black culture today, this is meant to show that though the African Americans got their freedom, they are not all living up to the dreams of Martin Luther King Jr and not living up to his expectations. That is why he gives a speech of how they are niggers, which is "a contradiction" he says. I think that in a way, yes his dream is alive that African Americans are given equal rights and many do stand hand in hand with white people but like shown in this video, their actions are not all respectful and what MLK wanted.
ReplyDeleteIn a conversation on an online forum, it is important to make a distinction between one's own language and the language of the primary source. Out of respect for the sensitivity of this issue, let us simply use the expression, "n-word," although this term certainly carries its own problematic associations.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is also an opportunity to note that satirists take multiple approaches to exploring what they identify to be a problem in society. When we examine satire, it is therefore necessary to always be mindful of the distinction between reality and the satirist's representation of reality. While these two categories may be related or indeed, the same, they do not have to be equal. In other words, just because The Boondocks respond to what they consider to be a social problem in a controversial way, that does not mean that their representation of the problem negates all other approaches or views. In light of this, perhaps we could also consider the social power of art. How may an artistic representation of an issue affect the way we view and/or approach that issue?
Let us also consider the ethical implications of language in this clip. How much does the way that we frame an issue with our own language impact the way that others respond? Does the shock-value of the use of the "n-word" facilitate the message or could it instead alienate certain people? Consider what we learned about 'successful' satire in class.
If we identify this clip as a piece of satire, where is the humor created? What is the impact of MLK's language? Examine the clear incongruity of this derogatory speech placed in the voice of a man known for his oratory. Do you think that his explanation sufficiently justifies his use of language? Remember, of course, that the makers have placed this word in the mouth of a character that they have essentially created for their own purposes. How does the context of this criticism (the fact that it is Martin Luther King saying it) affect the way that we respond to the controversial speech?
I believe the same as many of the people above me. The setting before the speech is definitely meant to portray African-American culture today. It was saddening how none of the crowd quieted until after MLK uses the "n" word. Then, all of the people in the room turn towards him as if they remember something distant in the past or as if they have to abide to some sort of long-forgotten tradition. MLK then proceeds to criticize their life style and ends his speech with something along the lines of "I'm going to Canada." I believe the authors use this to convey the fact that if the the community doesn't care about the injustices, doesn't fight to end those injustices, and follows the stereotype, they have no right to the freedoms that Martin Luther King Jr. fought and died for.
ReplyDeleteThis clip was interesting particularly because of how it portrays Martin Luther King Jr. He is mostly thought of as a hero and leader of the civil rights movement, but in this clip he is shown about 40 years later as angry and frustrated toward his fellow African-Americans. He is frustrated at first because he can't seem to get anyone's attention, and later when he speaks of how his dreams were never fulfilled. I think this portrayal shows how times have changed, because those who saw MLK's original speech would have given him their full attention when civil rights were on the line. Also, when he speaks of how his race let him down, MLK is shown differently than you would expect him to be. In his angered and frustrated speech, he speaks of many different stereotypes and how they are reasons that the black race is where it is at now.
ReplyDeleteTo start, this clip begins with a crowd partying, drinking, and up to no good. Next, it includes a somewhat comical yet blunt sermon/speech by MLK addressing the social and cultural regression of the African American race in his eyes. The writers of this episode surely strove to portray a fictional talk by MLK representing his opinion of the African American race today.
ReplyDeleteThe way the writers go about getting this message across is quite peculiar because of the harsh, critical tone and content of the clip. Most of the clip has little humor incorporated aside from the rhyming portion of his speech and his last line about going to Canada.
I still remembered the soul-stirring speech of Doctor King--I have a dream. I guess one part of the dream is that "n-word" will not be mentioned in this kind of so-called satire. Maybe the clip reveals the daily life of today's African Americans, they drink, dance, brawl, etc. But I don't think it is a satire for this moment, it cannot get a desired responding. Every one in the world like dancing, or maybe drinking, it is not the issue for the African Americans' world. The spirit of MLK's speech is to deliver freedom, courage and confident! It also is what we need today, not only the African American people, but also all of the world.
ReplyDeleteThis clip seems to speak to the way that some African Americans have been living their life since MLK's push for equality. He points out that some are lazy, brutes, bullies, etc. The point I believe the writer of this show is trying to make is, how are today's African Americans living their life to the fullest? Are they paying tribute to MLK and living fullfilling lives, or is this group just throwing their lives away? I do not exactly believe what the writer seems to believe, and to me the point came across a little too strong to be hoenst.
ReplyDeleteLike Jingze said, doe this clip necessarily deal with just the Black society or does it even go into talking about the American dream and what is seen as a whole from our society today? Have we all moved on from the ideology of the "American Dream"?
ReplyDeleteI believe that this video clip is not only about MLK and how many people have taken for granted what we have gained from the civil rights movement. It is also about how we, all to often, forget what other people sacrificed to make our lives better. some examples of this are the people who gave their live's for others during the tragedy that was 9/11 and the soldiers who put their live's on the line everyday overseas.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like everyone is heading in the direction of what this video clip portrayed and the message it seems to be giving out, but did anyone notice the music in the background? What do you think of the music playing along the video clip?
ReplyDeleteI think the music definitely adds suspense to the clip. To me, it sounded a bit hopeful at times but also has a scary rhythm to it.
Viewing of this clip can go in a few different directions. I know of people that would instantly disengage from this clip just due to the language, especially coming from such a noble man as MLK. We must remember just because they depict MLK using these words in his speech, does not make his point credible. We have the character of MLK who has fought so hard to break his people from oppression yet in this clip he is using the strongest word that kept his culture down. Complete Irony and total opposition. Successful satire? I would say yes and no.
ReplyDeleteFrom a writers stand point I can see why they would create a clip like this. Have a man such as MLK talk down to his people in pure disappointment, to the point where he has given up (stating he is moving to Canada) this situation in a way is so farfetched, it can be humorous. It also drives the point across that MLK has fought so hard for civil rights, yet no rewards have seem to been reaped. This clip does poise an interesting topic and due to the extreme, irony creates interesting satire. Yet I feel quite a few people would turn off at the same time due to the context.
In the beginning of this clip, people are dancing, singing and fighting in a happy and enjoyable music, without noticing the surroundings until MLK begins to bellows to them. This part portraies Boondock's idea about the group of African-American. They emphasize their own emotions, feelings and stuffs instead of taking care of the situation and condition of their racial people in the current time. No matter whether it is true or not, it is time for African-Americans to pay more attention to the dream of MLK because it is not only his dream, but also the dream of other black people.
ReplyDeleteThe clip conveys this idea through the angry speech and exaggerated tone by MLK.
I thought it was interesting how the creators portrayed Martin Luther King Jr. in this clip. I think that the common theme could be that what we need to hear isn't always what we want to hear. The use of the foul language was the only way he could get his message across. I feel that the creators are trying to point out that King’s original message has lost meaning over the years, and this is depicted by the chaos in the room before King started his speech. Although sometimes forgotten, his dream is still alive, but it may entail a different type of message in present culture.
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious that the way Martin Luther King speaks by using the N-word is supposed to appear comical but it also makes sense to me. Most great leaders must first come to gain the control of the people before leading them. In this clip, King did this by relating to them by using their slang and language. You cannot gain someone's attention or persuasion by just overpowering your ways above theirs. You must somehow show relation to them and present the situation with a little open minded just as King did. Not only will his achievement be remembered but also the way in which he succeeded.
ReplyDeleteThis clip shows how disappointed Martin Luther King Jr. is with the black community and the way they are acting at the assembly. King doesn't like the way they are acting after all he accomplished for them and that they need to change their way. King feels that his dream has been lost and all that remains is chaos.
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