If America Always Comes First, Then Who Is Second?
Start writing a post
Politics

If America Always Comes First, Then Who Is Second?

The Importance of Political Satire and a Rising Trend

13
If America Always Comes First, Then Who Is Second?

In his Inauguration Speech, 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated that his domestic and foreign policies will focus on “America First”. In response to Mr. Trump’s declaration, a number of European countries’ comedy channels, starting with the Netherlands’ comedy show "Zondag met Luback," have presented their nations mimicking Donald Trump’s style of rhetoric. This trend has gained popularity and an increasing number of European Late Night Shows are making their own versions.

The style of the videos is a parody of a tourist commercial for a specific country. The videos are addressed to Donald Trump and their aim is to convince the US President why the particular country should be placed second. In order to achieve this goal, the countries present some of their practices and traditions through the lens of what President Trump thinks constitutes a great nation. The different countries also emphasize their superlatives over other European states, in order to prove their point. For greater persuasive effect, the narrators of most videos aimed to capture Mr. Trump’s diction and even his tone of voice.

Although the videos are mainly humorous, they may be viewed as a critique of President Trump’s way of thinking. This new trend is controversial and may not be to the liking of some; however, it’s existence is important. Satirical commentary on current events can bring awareness towards the discussed subject matter and it shows that those who do not agree with such policies and ideas can freely express their opinions. In modern times, social media has allowed for information to spread more quickly and widely. So, news from one country can reach other countries very quickly, creating an atmosphere of discussion and worldwide political awareness. Therefore, people from different countries with similar ideas can communicate more easily and start trends such as this one.

Another beneficial outcome that these videos can have, is that they can ignite people’s interest in the specific country. Although the landmarks and traditions shown are purposefully selected to emphasize a point, the videos still show some of the cultural traits of the specific nation presented.

The Late Night talk show hosts from some European countries have even set up a website, where the current videos are gathered.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50770
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32488
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955710
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180754
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments