This thesis investigates the evolution of satire through the Azerbaijani satirical television program “Mozalan” in response to the political climate from 1980 to 1992. Initially adhering to the...Show moreThis thesis investigates the evolution of satire through the Azerbaijani satirical television program “Mozalan” in response to the political climate from 1980 to 1992. Initially adhering to the Party line, “Mozalan” grew bolder with Glasnost, eventually developing its own direction as the Soviet Union approached collapse. Early satire (1980-1984) focused on societal issues influenced by Heydar Aliyev’s campaigns, termed “state-appropriated laughter,” using humorous light-hearted satire to promote moral improvement. From 1985 to 1989, the satire became more critical, shifting from a light-hearted to an acerbic style filled with anger, challenging state policies and expanding the scope of critique. By 1990-1992, satire intensified, with fictional episodes maintaining humor and documentary episodes expressing not only anger but also resignation, reflecting the absence of a stable government and its ideology during this chaotic period. This study highlights significant shifts in satirical styles and media representation, revealing complexities beyond existing theoretical frameworks.Show less
The collapse of the Soviet Union has been explained as the result of political, economic and military factors. The social underpinnings of the collapse have drawn less interest. ''Is It Easy To Be...Show moreThe collapse of the Soviet Union has been explained as the result of political, economic and military factors. The social underpinnings of the collapse have drawn less interest. ''Is It Easy To Be Young?'', the 1987 documentary from Soviet Latvia, reveals political disillusionment among the youth. The film includes interviews with those members of society which have previously not been represented in state-controlled culture, for example, members of the punk movement and war veterans who feel alienated by society. Political opening in the framework of perestroika and glasnost allowed the documentary to come to light. I chose the following question to guide my work: ''How did the portrayal of youth discontent and political disillusionment in the 1987 Latvian documentary ''Is It Easy To Be Young?'' contribute to the declining legitimacy of the Soviet system?'' I argue that the release of this film worked against the authorities since it depicted some of the core issues in the USSR in the 1980s. These were persecution of those who opposed the dominant way of life, political disillusionment caused by stagnation and the use of rigid ideological notions by the Communist Party, as well as the social costs of involvement in Afghanistan. ''Is It Easy To Be Young?'' gained recognition abroad, where it was received as an exposé of the Soviet system, which further contributed to the decline in legitimacy the film caused for the authorities of the USSR.Show less
