“A nation challenged: The humor; seriously. People seem ready for a good laugh.” by John Schwartz

Schwartz, J. (2001, October 1). “A nation challenged: The humor; seriously. People seem ready for a good laugh.” The New York Times, p. C15.

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/01/business/a-nation-challenged-the-humor-seriously-people-seem-ready-for-a-good-laugh.html

Schwartz’s New York Times article came just after the break of The Onion’s comedic response to 9/11, which was a risky move for the satirical publication considering the tragic timing. The article addresses not only the fact that the parody was among the only successfully received comedic responses to the event, but it also discusses the ways in which the authors composed the perfect degree of sarcasm and sensitivity. Schwartz interviews the editors and writers of The Onion regarding their decision to create the 9/11 response issue, giving the overall impression that these comedic writers compose their “stories” with the same level of conscience and consideration as any other publication. By exploring the ideas behind the issue, and highlighting the elements that made the issue so successful from the perspective of its readers, Schwartz paints the picture that The Onion has more than just comedic chops to wield in terms of leaving a effect on its audience.

Although this article has an editorial approach, the fact that this key issue showed the writing talents of the The Onion’s staff sheds light on the rhetorical approach they opted to take. The elements that seem most readily significant in the composition are not only the obvious use of irony and sarcasm, but also the verbal and imagistic sensitivity at play alongside carefully chosen wording, and the consideration of the weight of the event. This article shows the relationship between appropriate timing and the right wording that combine to create meaningful humor, especially since it is evident that there are thousands of fans all over who agree that The Onion is “the best” at what it does.