by brenton crozier
There are numerous flavors of satire, all delicious and satisfying in their own way. From the standard satire found in sketch shows and fake news outlets like The Onion to mockumentary styles found in Christopher Guest movies and the featured sites this week. The latter is endearing in its are-they-for-real? qualities. As old as the chicken and the egg quandary comes the who’s laughing at who impasse—a testament to well-executed satire.
From a super-cool Russian rapper and skater to a white bread couple that is convinced that black people love them, my finds are affluent in satirical goodness . . . or are they? Take point on this one and you tell me, are these people for reals?
Did you think that Borat had the market on broken English, stylistically-challenged fun? Time to revamp your thinking and meet ILL Mitch. Mitch’s website looks like it was designed along with the inception of the Internet, but it is fitting in its neon green splendor. Mitch welcomes site visitors in his patented headband, blue jacket vest and red motorcycle helmet. His message reads, “Hello to rap fans, I am ILL Mitch.” He goes on to discuss his 3 favorite things, rap, skateboarding and hitting his boxing bag. Rest assured, his favorite of these 3 is rap.
The site consists of various elements including a video section, store and ILL Mitch team signup. The pictures with captions are easily the best part of the website. His fantastically bad fashion sense and awkwardness are only accentuated by the broken English descriptions. My favorite would have to be the picture of Mitch in his big red motorcycle helmet, holding his skateboard with the caption “This board is fast and danger.”
I suggest downloading some tracks, in particular Hey Ladies Fans and Fast and Danger, perusing the photo page full of hilarious tidbits and signing up an unsuspecting friend to join ILL Mitch in his goal of “Make ILL Mitch number one rap man in world.”
Represent Russian-style with ILL Mitch dawgs.
Wow, this site is sure to hit “Mr. I Take Everything Way Too Serious and Have to Raise Hell about Anything Teetering on Offensive to Show How Thoughtful and Informed I Am” right between the eyes. Apparently Sally and Johnny, clothed in formulaic yuppie fashion, are psyched that black people like them so much since “lots of black people don’t like lots of white people.”
The site has a very DIY look and feel, but is full of absolute hilarity. The party pictures and testimonials are brilliant. My particular favorite among the testimonials is from a black woman that states, “Sally is so great . . . every time I ride in the car with her she makes sure the radio is tuned to ‘my’ station.” Be sure to explore all of the pages of the site, as they all contain fantastic photos and captions. On the Stuff Our Friends Care About! page you will find links to Million Man March sites, Black History sites and even a Nation of Islam site. They are so conscientious!
As funny as this site is, it should also be recognized for its genius for delivering social commentary on both black and white stereotypes in such a funny manner. Sally and Johnny invite you to be their friend, but you do have to attach a picture and reasons why you love them. Do Sally and Johnny make you angry enough to write a scathing letter about their ignorance? Well get in line, because they already have a page dedicated to “Your Letters” that feature numerous suggestions about their racism, questions to the sites authenticity and pleas for them to “get a clue.” It’s not all negative though, they have a number of fans who actually have a sense of humor and enjoy the site.
So next time someone is being accused of being racist and retorts with, “But my best friend is black,” show them some understanding and introduce them to Sally and Johnny.
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EU Critic’s Choice Awards
