1. What is Parody?

2. PARODY Defined
Parody makes fun of literature, film, advertising, popular culture, etc. by imitating some aspect of it.
Parody is meant to be humorous, mocking, and entertaining.
Parody trivializes another subject through satiric or ironic imitation.

3. “Defined” Cont’d.
Parody does not generally intend to bring about societal change although some satires (which do attempt to bring about a change in society) use parody to make a point.
Parody can be strictly humor, or it can be a mockery aimed at the absurdity of the subject.
As we look at some examples of parody, determine if particular aspects of the subjects are being mocked, or if the parody is just for entertainment .

4. Parodies make fun of many subjects, such as songs.
“Weird Al” Yankovic is a music artist known for his parodies. Listen to the following. I bet you know whose hit song he is parodying!

5. Here’s another song parody that you may relate to especially if you have younger sisters…

6. Parodies, often referred to as spoofs or lampoons, can make fun of a particular movie or a movie genre.

7. If you watch The Big Bang Theory, you will recognize this parody…

8. Even television’s Sesame Street uses parodies
Even television’s Sesame Street uses parodies. Do you think kids “get” it?

9. Here is a parody of an iPhone commercial…

10. Recently, PBS mocked “the State of TV” by posting ads for fake reality shows (that could be real) in the NYC subways.

11. Now, work with your partner
Now, work with your partner. Examine the following ads and identify the parody. Again, determine if particular aspects of the subjects are being mocked, or if the parody is just for entertainment. 1. 2.

12. 3. 4.

13. 5.
Gerber thinks MOMS should not
have to MOP?

14. 6. 7.

15. 8.

16. 9.

17. 10.

18. Now you will create a parody of your own!
See handout “Creating Parody”