This study seeks to delve into how some Nigerian comedians subtly critique the Nigerian political scene. Hence, the study aims to see how these artistic works have been a tool of youth activism with a special reference to the #EndSars protest.
There are obvious shreds of evidence that point to the fact that comedy is a powerful and untapped storytelling genre to raise awareness, incite action to human rights and social justice, change attitudes, especially amongst the youths. Despite this significance, comedy is underexplored.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Theoretical Discussions
- Nigerian Comedy as Activism
Objectives and Key Themes
This study examines how Nigerian comedians utilize comedy as a form of political activism, particularly in relation to the #EndSARS protests. It explores the intersection of humor and social change, analyzing how comedic performances raise awareness, incite action, and shape public perception regarding socio-political issues in Nigeria.
- The power of comedy as a tool for social change and political activism.
- The role of Nigerian comedians in critiquing the Nigerian political landscape.
- The impact of comedy in mobilizing youth participation in social movements like #EndSARS.
- The relationship between comedy, collective memory, and cultural production in Nigeria.
- The effectiveness of comedy in reaching diverse audiences and transcending ideological barriers.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the foundational argument for the study, highlighting the potent yet under-explored role of comedy in social change advocacy. It posits that comedy, transcending barriers of ideology and class, possesses the unique capacity to engage audiences on sensitive issues, impacting their emotions and encouraging action. Drawing on the works of Jack Sim and Gregg Sangillo, it underscores comedy’s potential to influence attitudes and inspire social justice movements, emphasizing its untapped potential, particularly in the context of recent political and social upheavals globally and in Nigeria. The #EndSARS movement is introduced as a case study to illustrate how Nigerian comedians are using their platform for activism. The chapter sets the stage for a theoretical framework that examines how comedy functions as a tool for social and political change.
Theoretical Discussions: This chapter delves into the theoretical underpinnings of the study, exploring the role of comedy in contemporary communication and social influence. It builds upon Raymond Williams’s concept of communication as reception and response, arguing that the imaginative world of comedy directly impacts our realities. The chapter also integrates Assmann and Czaplicka’s notion of collective memory, highlighting how comedy, with its cultural significance, facilitates complex discussions, emotional persuasion, and the breaking down of social barriers. Critically, it acknowledges the limitations of mainstream media controlled by repressive regimes and posits artistic productions, specifically comedy, as crucial avenues for public engagement and freedom of expression. By analyzing the works of Borum et al. and Sangillo, the chapter emphasizes comedy's capacity to mobilize audiences on serious social issues and build a like-minded community while simultaneously reaching broader demographics. The work of Zahra Noorbakhsh and Tanzila Ahmed's podcast is used as an example of successful comedy used for social activism.
Nigerian Comedy as Activism: This chapter focuses on the specific application of comedy as activism within the Nigerian context, particularly during the #EndSARS protests. It details how Nigerian comedians utilized their platform to raise awareness about police brutality and social injustices, educating and engaging the public on vital issues. The chapter uses examples of specific comedic videos from Mr Macaroni and Nosa Rex, analyzing how these productions highlighted the issue of police brutality and called for reform. It explores the relationship between the #EndSARS protest, which was ignited by police brutality, and the broader socio-economic challenges facing Nigerian youth. The chapter also showcases how comedians used their art to emphasize the importance of youth unity in the face of alleged attempts to discredit the protests through violence and misinformation. Comedians like Edem Victor and Broda Shaggi are highlighted for their humorous yet powerful messages promoting unity and exposing alleged attempts by politicians to disrupt the movement. The chapter concludes by showing the power of comedy in mobilizing social change and highlighting the role of comedy in social movements.
Keywords
Nigerian comedy, political activism, social change, #EndSARS protests, humor, collective memory, youth mobilization, police brutality, social justice, comedy and social media, cultural production.
Nigerian Comedy as Activism: A Comprehensive FAQ
What is the main focus of this study?
This study examines how Nigerian comedians use comedy as a form of political activism, specifically focusing on its role during the #EndSARS protests. It analyzes how humor is used to raise awareness, inspire action, and shape public opinion regarding socio-political issues in Nigeria.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
The study explores several key themes, including the power of comedy as a tool for social change, the role of Nigerian comedians in critiquing the political landscape, the impact of comedy on youth participation in social movements like #EndSARS, the relationship between comedy, collective memory, and cultural production, and the effectiveness of comedy in reaching diverse audiences.
What theoretical frameworks are used in this study?
The study draws upon various theoretical frameworks, including Raymond Williams’s concept of communication as reception and response, Assmann and Czaplicka’s notion of collective memory, and the works of scholars like Jack Sim, Gregg Sangillo, Borum et al., and Zahra Noorbakhsh and Tanzila Ahmed. These frameworks help to understand how comedy functions as a tool for social and political change and its impact on audiences.
How does the study analyze the role of comedy in the #EndSARS protests?
The study analyzes how Nigerian comedians used their platforms to raise awareness about police brutality and social injustices during the #EndSARS protests. It provides specific examples of comedic videos from comedians like Mr Macaroni and Nosa Rex, highlighting how these productions addressed the issue of police brutality and called for reform. It also examines the comedians' role in promoting youth unity and countering misinformation surrounding the protests.
What are some of the key findings or arguments presented in the study?
The study argues that comedy, despite often being overlooked, is a powerful tool for social and political change. It transcends ideological and class barriers, engaging audiences emotionally and inspiring action. The study highlights the crucial role of comedy in situations where mainstream media is controlled by repressive regimes, offering an alternative avenue for public engagement and freedom of expression. It showcases the effectiveness of Nigerian comedians in mobilizing youth participation and shaping public discourse around important social issues.
What are the key words associated with this study?
Key words include: Nigerian comedy, political activism, social change, #EndSARS protests, humor, collective memory, youth mobilization, police brutality, social justice, comedy and social media, and cultural production.
What is the structure of the study?
The study is structured into three main chapters: an introduction establishing the argument and context; a chapter dedicated to theoretical discussions, exploring relevant communication and social influence theories; and a final chapter focusing specifically on Nigerian comedy as activism during the #EndSARS protests, providing case studies and examples.
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- Ismail Ibrahim Ibrahim (Autor:in), 2020, The Interplay of Humour and Activism in Nigerian Comedy, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/999963
