Race, Representation, and Satire

The essays in Race, Representation, and Satire, compiled by editor Campbell, deftly examine the nuances of comedy's pursuit of the truth, especially when creators with firsthand knowledge of the harm suffered by various racial groups wield satire. Each essay investigates racial representations within creative works; the writers convey how those works are successful (for instance, Reham Bohamad’s essay on the depiction of Muslim women in the British sitcom We Are Lady Parts) or fall short (Campbell on Dave Chapelle’s recent stand-up work). With a rich assortment of cited scholarly works set against a diverse array of modern media, Race, Representation, and Satire is a valuable contribution to the body of media studies. In her thoughtful critique of an episode of the series Atlanta, Keli Dailey asks, “But who is this punchline serving?” (p. 15), a question whose saliency is effectively echoed throughout each chapter. Recommended. Advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals. * Choice Reviews *
Race, Representation, and Satire effectively explores the difference between satire and parody, emphasizing the necessity for audiences to be “in” on the joke for satire to be effective. It also gives an excellent analysis of the role of intersectionality in whether satire is effective. * Journal of Popular Culture *
Race, Representation, and Satire explores ways satire, indeed humor more broadly, is used to communicate complex ideas about race. This collection of essays is fun to read, but in the process of enjoying the humor readers will learn important lessons along the way. From the comedic delivery of news to viral memes to stand-up routines, this book shows that some of the best critiques of racism are performed with a wink and a smile. -- Kent A. Ono, University of Utah