Devlin, D. (2011, April). Hair today, gone tomorrow department. MAD Magazine, 508, 33-37.
About this Magazine:
In this particular article, about Justin Beiber, Devlin basically rips apart Justin Beiber for having the audacity of releasing an autobiography at the old age of sixteen years old. Like most articles in MAD magazine, this article is one of many social and political articles that not only exploits the ridiculousness of the issue, but provides arguments and opinions that are quite out of the box. April's issue of MAD Magazine, besides the Justin Beiber article, contains articles that comment on President Obama, Sarah Palin, Donald Trump as well as critiques on the XBOX Kinect and the hit television show, Mad Men. Irreverent as ever, the writers at MAD take their arguments to a whole new level by not only poking fun at the person, but providing commentary that not only makes readers think, but force some kind of laugh no matter their political stance, religion, or ethnicity.
Critical Evaluation:
MAD magazine is a perfect match for teens. Not only is filled with sarcasm, shenanigans, and personal jabs, teens will not only get caught up on today's world, they will learn a thing or two about the media, news, and humanity. Just like Jon Stewart's 'The Daily Show," teenagers will get a healthy dose of reality, especially when it comes to the American obsession with celebrities and politicians. The writers at MAD do not hold back whatsoever, which makes this magazine a "fresh air" for those who are tired of Linsey Lohan, Snookie, Sarah Palin, and Rush Limbaugh. Whatever the issue, MAD magazine always supplies a different point of view that not only strips the issue of its intensity, but, in many ways, makes it trivial and unnecessary. If readers are looking for a serious, dry, and mature magazine than MAD is not one of these, which makes it perfect for Teens.
Reader's Annotation:
MAD is a monthly magazine that provides articles, and commentary, on current rends including world, national, and celebrity news.
Information about the Author:
According to Desmond Devlin:
"Yes, America's longest-running humor magazine, besides Time, has not been content to merely notice the snags in society's fabric after the fact. No, no no. The sociological dynamo that is MAD has always been at the forefront of change and innovation and even more change. MAD has affected our culture and history in such an all-encompassing and fundamental way that it is sometimes easy to overlook our awesome influence. This special section will correct that unfortunate oversight" (para. 3).MAD magazine originated in 1952 when Bill Gaines, the original editor, decided that this magazine should have something different and unique: humor. According to MAD, Gaines was tired of the "phoniness" of popular culture and decided that he should write about; however, he didn't and he hired someone named Harvey Kurtzman" (para. 1). Just like the magazine, Gaines is all over the place and, unfortunately, found himself in legal trouble when several articles sparked a lot of controversy and congressional hearings were conducted to expose the dangers of comic books. However, all of this goes away since many people actually enjoyed reading the magazine, which spawned a new wave of imitators.
Over the next thirty years, MAD has become an important part of American culture since it not only has recruited all kinds of talent, it has provided political figures and celebrities with ammo to support their issues or turn them into the biggest laughing stock ever. MAD's history is quite long and colorful that has not always been good, but it continues to remain strong and it has accomplished a lot. Not to mention, with all of its legal troubles, it has managed to stay alive and quite relevant to readers today.
Genre:
Humor
Curriculum Tie-In's:
This articles would be great to read, and include, as an introduction into current affairs, especially when students are learning about the history of journalism.
Booktalking Ideas:
If I were to promote this magazine, I would simply print out the comics and hand them to teens and get their opinions. Not only are the comics off the wall, I would explain to them that the subjects in the story are real and if they knew about the issues being discussed. This magazine can spark some great conversation, which is what teens need.
Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up
Challenge Issues:
I think this magazine has gone through too much to even be considered banned. In fact, it is so popular that it makes sense to have it available in the Library because it not only appeals to teens, but adults will appreciate it as well.
Magazines Similar to MAD:
Why did I choose this magazine?
I chose this magazine simply because it is over the top and highly entertaining. After reading this issue, I was laughing incessantly at the article on Beiber since I am so tired hearing about him and his crazy fans. MAD is a great escape for those who need it as well as an entertaining social commentary.
Awards & Recognition:
N/A
References:
Devlin, D. (n.d.). MAD About. DC Comics. Retrieved April 06, 2011, from http://www.dccomics.com/mad/about/
MAD About. (n.d.). DC Comics. Retrieved April 06, 2011, from http://www.dccomics.com/mad/about/?action=about1
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