Please watch and comment on this video of The Yes Men on Bill Moyer's Journal. Pay particular attention to the discussion of how The Yes Man pranks relate to journalism.
You can check out their past and future projects at rtmark and at The Yes Men.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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I think they have a successful way of getting big concerns and issues into the big media, but one problem I think they have is that because they take their jokes so far, and in the setting they present their satire, people will write them off as jackasses instead of really second guessing the issue at hand. Some of their "pranks" may be a little over the edge which I'm not sure how much will help with getting their true message out.
ReplyDeleteI like their theory about how they make certain issues public that journalists for big media companies might not be able to write about unless it becomes a concern, which the Yes Men do a good job of.
I really like the way they highlight important issues and I dont think they can go too far, they definitely push it into an area to make you very uncomfortable, but it really makes you think. Like when they are speaking about the Jonathan Swift statment, the more ridiculous the statment or action the more people hear about it, especially in our "big story" news media. I never would have known about the Bhopal oil spill if I had not seen their video on the BBC and its great that they are still able to go out a bring these issues to light even as more people know who they are.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of one video called "Where The Hell Is Matt?" where this man named Matt basically films himself dancing in front of various landmarks around the world. After compiling it and adding some catchy background music he uploaded it and it gained popularity fast. But then he told everyone it was fake and he used simulation robots and a green screen [which was a lie]. When the people found out he lied they were outraged at the fact that they could have been tricked. The Yes men seem to be using their jokes to open doors and draw attention to certain bigger issues. It is certainly successful and people will take notice
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how a direct approach doesn't always work, but a satirical approach hits the hardest. I feel that it is the case with The Yes Men and their work. It's a good dose of shock for those who finally realized that they fell into such an obvious joke.
ReplyDeleteThis video was really enjoyable. I had seen some of the Yes Men before in other classes but never had we delved so deep into the motives and goals of their pranks. It was interesting to hear about all of the different reactions they received during and after different presentations.
ReplyDeleteSome people may think what they do is harsh, but I think that is the point we have come to. The world needs a big slap in the face from reality and so far nothing else has worked. It is nice to see these guys out there and pushing their messages.
Great video, super interesting.
I believe the Yes Men have good points, and do not take it too far. Clearly, many people did not even understand or second guess certain issues and they provided evidence of people just going with everything that happens or is said. It is shocking that they did not get the reactions one would expect & its sad that even taking it that far does not create reactions. They have to take it far or even further to make points and force people to understand despite how absurd it might to appear to us.
ReplyDeleteI think the Yes Men do a good job of drawing attention to the issues. It's crazy that they suggest outrageous ideas and most of the time no one challenges what they're saying at these events. And with their fake Web site, it says a lot that the energy companies wanted it taken down. I agree that this helps journalists because it gives them a light and funny newspeg to address the bigger issues that are the reasons why the Yes Men are doing what they do.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I think following the Yes Men is very hilarious. In my opinion I think that journalists' main goal is to expose a subject and I strongly believe that Yes Men do expose a serious issue, regardless of whether or not it is by using impersonations and satire jokes. If anything it heightens public exposure because of the humor and satire revolving around the Yes Men antics.
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