Mini Text Presentation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ish8NBunrQU&t=1s
BRIEF BACKGROUND: I encountered this text while first watching Parks and Rec a few years ago, and from just now re-watching the series. This video is part of the political comedy TV series in the fictional town of Pawnee.
RHETORICAL SITUATION: This episode arose when Leslie set out to combat diabetes in the town by creating a tax on soda purchases and consumption. She speaks with the manager of a restaurant that offers such insane soda sizes. The manager does not see the problem with those insane sizes because they are “such a great deal,” and Leslie sets out to discourage them.
TYPICAL: It is typical of the show, and other shows such as The Office, in that it is a comedy that mimics everyday events and conversations within the workplace. It is typical in that it exaggerates issues for comedic effect, but that comment on some sort of American/everyday behavior that most of its audience is aware of and can laugh at.
ATYPICAL: It is atypical in that it satirizes American consumerism and how portion sizes and unhealthy eating habits are considered the norm as influenced by companies. It is also atypical of the show in that the main character, Leslie, comments on the absurdity of the portion sizes, which would usually occur the other way around.
TONE/PURPOSE: The tone of this text is satirical and absurd, with pointing out the insanely exaggerate portion sizes for comedic effect but also to comment on the manager’s absurdity in not seeing the issue.
INTENDED AUDIENCE: the intended audience is those who watch the show and understand its humor.
CONSEQUENTIAL AUDIENCE: Consequential audience would be those who think the show is completely accurate and that there are restaurants who actually serve those sized drinks.
POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS: Potential implications would be people who think the show is serious and that American towns actually serve drinks of those size. Also, people might be offended by the implication that Americans are only perceived for their obscene portion sizes and the high prevalence of obesity/diabetes, and might contribute to non-Americans being led to believe this is an accurate depiction of all American consumerism.
