By Jason Levine on Wednesday, September 26, 2001 - 04:03 pm:
In case you haven't alread, take a look at how the new Onion has handled the terrorist attack. I think they've done a great job sounding the right note. The headlines, "U.S.vows to defeat whoever we're at war with" and "Hijackers Surprised to find themselves in hell" sum up the tone pretty well.
By Robert Mayer on Wednesday, September 26, 2001 - 04:19 pm:
It's pretty damn good I think. Given the perils of being sappy on the one side and crass on the other, they've split the difference pretty well.
By Bub (Bub) on Wednesday, September 26, 2001 - 04:26 pm:
I think they're the only one's who've made the attempt. Poking fun at this, I mean. The result is rather flat and unfunny though, but I certainly admire their bravery.
-Andrew
By Jason Levine on Wednesday, September 26, 2001 - 04:37 pm:
"The result is rather flat and unfunny though,"
Whether one agrees with that or not, there's one very telling headline there: "Report: Gen X Irony, Cynicism May Be Permanently Obsolete." Gen X Irony and cynicism, of course, have been The Onion's bread and butter, and that headline may very well be right.
By Mark Asher on Wednesday, September 26, 2001 - 04:57 pm:
I got a few good chuckles out of it, especially when McCain said we might have to invade Michigan.
The map of possible and known terrorist locations was funny too.
I fully expect irony and cynicism to make a comeback, too.
By XtienMurawski on Wednesday, September 26, 2001 - 05:09 pm:
I've been holding a fairly staunch view that this cannot be joked about, ever, feeling this fundamental shift in our culture was somehow barring that from happening. Somehow, though, The Onion made me laugh for a few moments. It doesn't all work, and some of it does fall flat and is a little rough (the story about the kid for example), but the parts that do work are worth it.
In particular that infographic on increased safety. And the "God Clarifies" story was great, although not in a laugh out loud way.
Thanks Jason. I'd been avoiding the site without realizing it.
Amanpour
By Bub (Bub) on Wednesday, September 26, 2001 - 05:12 pm:
I liked the TV listings thing too. Also, The Onion has always had much more funny headlines than they've ever had stories (except Jim Anchower - "Hola Amigos!")...
-Andrew
By Ben Sones (Felderin) on Thursday, September 27, 2001 - 10:08 am:
"Dinty Moore takes a stand on terrorism" was also well worth the read.
By Rob Funk (Xaroc) on Thursday, September 27, 2001 - 10:53 am:
The TV listings were very funny. I think they did an admirable job being funny without crossing the line.