3 ms·

Another thing I noticed is that every Onion story related to the scandal has been pro-NSA (today I learned pro-NSA humor exists). It reminded me of the recent g

Another thing I noticed is that every Onion story related to the scandal has been pro-NSA (today I learned pro-NSA humor exists). It reminded me of the recent gun control debates in which every Onion story related to that was pro gun control. I'm not saying they're part of a larger concerted effort to sway public opinion, but it does make me question their integrity as a comedic organization.

Vivtek 13y ago
Pro-gun control? You don't remember the one with the gorillas, I think it was, advocating for gorilla control and with people complaining that the keeping of gorillas in public was a Constitutional right, and even if a few people in stores get savaged by gorillas occasionally, that was a small price to pay for freedom?
- sage_joch 13y ago
  Um, that one was extremely pro gun control. Read it again. "Gorilla Sales Skyrocket After Latest Gorilla Attack". This is making fun of people who buy guns in the aftermath of shootings, and who seek the preservation of 2nd amendment rights. It argues (by analogy) that such people are silly to fight for such antiquated rights, and that there would be complete chaos if everyone owned a gun.
  - Vivtek 13y ago
    Indeed - I think my brain short-circuited there somehow and I took "pro" to mean "anti".
leephillips 13y ago
"it does make me question their integrity as a comedic organization"
- tg3 13y ago
  Are you trying to say that it's inherently silly to question the integrity of a comedic organization? If so, I'd disagree with you, as many people use comedy as a means to make a point, political and otherwise. I think the success of Jon Stewart and Colbert point to the fact that valid points can be made with comedy. While I don't think "comedic organizations" are (or should be) held to the same standard as journalistic ones, GP has a valid point about bias, even in comedic reporting.
  - leephillips 13y ago
    "Are you trying to say that it's inherently silly to question the integrity of a comedic organization?" Yes. Jon Stewart has scoffed, in more than one interview, at the notion that he be held to any standards whatsoever, other than the standard of being funny. "a valid point about bias" I respectfully disagree. I see nothing wrong with any sort or degree of bias from the Onion, Daily Show, or any other "comedic organization".
    - sage_joch 13y ago
      A couple things: 1. Today there was an anti-NSA article ("NSA Assures Americans That PRISM 2.0 Will Be Way More Invasive"), which kind of invalidates my point. 2. "Comedic organization" was the best term I could come up with; I know it sounds a bit ridiculous. :-)

Vivtek 13y ago

Pro-gun control? You don't remember the one with the gorillas, I think it was, advocating for gorilla control and with people complaining that the keeping of gorillas in public was a Constitutional right, and even if a few people in stores get savaged by gorillas occasionally, that was a small price to pay for freedom?

sage_joch 13y ago
Um, that one was extremely pro gun control. Read it again. "Gorilla Sales Skyrocket After Latest Gorilla Attack". This is making fun of people who buy guns in the aftermath of shootings, and who seek the preservation of 2nd amendment rights. It argues (by analogy) that such people are silly to fight for such antiquated rights, and that there would be complete chaos if everyone owned a gun.
- Vivtek 13y ago
  Indeed - I think my brain short-circuited there somehow and I took "pro" to mean "anti".

leephillips 13y ago

"it does make me question their integrity as a comedic organization"

tg3 13y ago
Are you trying to say that it's inherently silly to question the integrity of a comedic organization? If so, I'd disagree with you, as many people use comedy as a means to make a point, political and otherwise. I think the success of Jon Stewart and Colbert point to the fact that valid points can be made with comedy. While I don't think "comedic organizations" are (or should be) held to the same standard as journalistic ones, GP has a valid point about bias, even in comedic reporting.
- leephillips 13y ago
  "Are you trying to say that it's inherently silly to question the integrity of a comedic organization?" Yes. Jon Stewart has scoffed, in more than one interview, at the notion that he be held to any standards whatsoever, other than the standard of being funny. "a valid point about bias" I respectfully disagree. I see nothing wrong with any sort or degree of bias from the Onion, Daily Show, or any other "comedic organization".
  - sage_joch 13y ago
    A couple things: 1. Today there was an anti-NSA article ("NSA Assures Americans That PRISM 2.0 Will Be Way More Invasive"), which kind of invalidates my point. 2. "Comedic organization" was the best term I could come up with; I know it sounds a bit ridiculous. :-)