On Parody and Satire

Good Times Manila is an interesting and entertaining site that I've been visiting for a good laugh and fun. If you're going to visit this site, just remember to read what's this site is about before (over)reacting on whatever you're going to read. Believe me, the articles are hilarious.

However, this site has recently received "constructive criticisms" from some of its guests. You can read here the post and the comments.

I am reprinting here the comments of the guest:

#1

Payo lang kapatid…..

I received an email referring to this site which is supposedly for fun reading. We’ll, it’s not. This site is a joke. I don’t see it as constructive criticism. Your stories and comments are malicious, damaging and irresponsible. These are insults, plain and simple. You can be sued for defamation of character and slander because of these blogs. As I see it, this is simply a desperate attempt to procure business and you’re slowly getting attention. You have a talent but be careful how you use it. You’ll catch fire the moment one of your stories reaches its subject.

I do hope you post this comment. This is constructive criticism.

#2

It doesn’t matter whether they are public figures, no namers or even criminals. We all have the same rights and those rights must be protected. No offense but on a moral ground, I think this is the lowest form of entertainment.

The author of that site has already replied to the guest. You can read them all in the link that I have provided.

So, what do I think of this site? Obviously, I'm still supporting it.

Guess what, I agree with GUEST.

All people must be protected by the law. Freedom of speech is never absolute.

But the question is, where should we draw the line? Of what is offensive and what is “for the sake of entertainment”?

Are parodies or satires form of character assassination? or were they reeking of malicious intent?

It’s hard. Really, quite hard.

If parodies and satires are prohibited by our laws, then the award winning TV show “Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata” should have been axed on the first night that it was shown. The artists, the writers, the brain behind this show should have been imprisoned by then.

But no. The laughter had continued before it finally said goodbye due to low ratings.

I, in my humble opinion, think that this site has not crossed that line yet. I am enjoying it so I am supporting it.

When do we say that one has been exercising too much freedom? Or is there such a thing as "too much" when talking about freedom?

As I've said, freedom is never absolute. One has to consider the welfare of "others" and of the "state" when dealing with one's freedom. The state can stop you from exercising your freedom when it sees fit. The rights and the freedom that one enjoy are all granted and guaranteed by the state, but within the parameters and conditions set by the latter. If you go beyond that, then there's a necessary consequence.

Therefore, is parody or satire illegal? Obviously NO. If so, then many should have been jailed.

Is it the lowest form of entertainment? Maybe. It depends on your taste and preference.

IWhat do you think?