The cultural effects of Sacha Baron Cohen’s 2006 film Borat
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published 25/11/2008
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Summary
Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen’s 2006 film Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan has garnered much critical attention for its humor, both positive and negative. Cohen plays an extremely bigoted Kazakh journalist named Borat trying to understand American culture by interviewing Americans. However, by remaining in character, he is able to catch them off guard and as a result he is able to exploit their actions for comedic gain. While most scenes in the movie are relatively harmless, albeit embarrassing, other scenes rely on anti-Semitism, sexism, and other forms of bigotry at the hands of both Borat and the actual people being interviewed. It is these scenes that have generated widespread criticism from Jews, women, a university, and even an entire nation. Cohen states that his intention is to expose bigotry by pointing out its absurdity but many viewers are still offended by said scenes. The problem arises when the critics are offended just by the scenes that offend their personal beliefs but are okay when someone else’s views are attacked. When viewing this movie, it is important not to create this ethical double standard among the types of scenes. That is, if one is repulsed by one scene, one should be repulsed by all of them, and vice-versa.
Table of Contents
- Introduction.
- Style of comedy in Borat.
- Exploiting unsuspecting people-by making them look bad.
- Shock humor.
- The Anti-Defamation League.
- Critics of Borat.
- The nation of Kazakhstan.
- Cohen's portrayal of Kazakhstan as anti-Semitic.
- The purpose of his movie - expose bigotry.
- Cohen's stated goal.
- Conclusion.
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